Interconnection Queues: Gatekeeping Renewable Energy
Interconnection queues across the United States prevent renewable energy projects from connecting to the grid because of their years-long backlog. Current procedures are increasing the number of projects that withdraw from the queue and the time it takes for renewable projects to seek approval. This Article examines the recent reforms taken by two regional grid operators, the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland Interconnection (PJM) and the Midcontinent Independent System Operator.
LNG Exports: The Permit Approval Process and the Environmental Impacts
On January 26, 2024, the Biden Administration announced a pause on pending decisions on permits to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to non-free trade agreement countries until the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) updates underlying analyses for the authorizations. The United States is the largest global exporter of LNG, and its exports have rapidly grown over recent years. The pause presents an opportunity to review impacts of increased LNG export, including climate consequences, environmental justice harms, and more.
Schaffner v. Monsanto Corp.
The Third Circuit reversed a ruling that held FIFRA did not preempt state-law tort duties to include a cancer warning on a weedkiller label. A landscaper had argued the agrochemicals company that produces the weedkiller violated Pennsylvania law by omitting the cancer warning from its label. The app...