U.S. Court of Appeals’ FERC 1000 Decision a Big Step Forward for America’s Clean Energy Economy
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld a vital measure today to support a low-cost, low-carbon future for America’s energy system. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order 1000 lays the groundwork for transmission planners, particularly those in regions without wholesale electricity markets like the Southeast and some parts of the West, to create and participate in regional, rather than local, planning processes. By broadening the geographic scope and pool of information, regional planners can make more informed decisions and plan transmission more efficiently, thus increasing electric reliability for states and mitigating harmful pollution from power plants.
FERC Order 1000 also creates a pathway for clean energy. In addition to increasing information-sharing in the regional planning process, transmission planners can now take advantage of non-transmission alternatives, such as distributed energy, storage and energy efficiency, to provide electric reliability, rather than building new transmission lines. Furthermore, the Order recognizes state rights to create specific policies, like Renewable Portfolio Standards, which can be recognized in regional transmission plans to further enable the use and acceleration of wind and solar energy into America’s energy system.
“Environmental Defense Fund applauds the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for crafting a robust ‘coordination’ order for independent transmission planners. As the backbone of our energy infrastructure, the transmission system is designed to supply vital electricity in the most efficient way possible. FERC 1000 is the key to unlocking efficiencies that have the potential to incorporate more clean energy solutions in the planning process, which will result in low-cost electricity and clean air.”
- John Finnigan, Lead Counsel, Environmental Defense Fund
With more than 3 million members, Environmental Defense Fund creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships to turn solutions into action. edf.org
Media Contact
Latest press releases
-
New York State’s $1 Billion Climate Investment Takes Critical Step Forward
September 25, 2025 -
Trump EPA Political Appointees Scrambled to Offer Free Pass to Pollute
September 25, 2025 -
New Map Highlights NOAA’s Nationwide Benefits Amid Budget Cut Threats
September 25, 2025 -
U.S. States Can Make Significant Impact on U.S. Emissions Despite Federal Headwinds
September 23, 2025 -
EDF and Partners Vigorously Oppose Trump Administration Attacks on Endangerment Finding and Clean Car Standards
September 23, 2025 -
Corporate “Hotspots” Fuel Most Emissions—and the Biggest Solutions
September 23, 2025