State Attorneys General: Empowering the Clean Energy Future

Abstract

A report that provides an in-depth look at how state attorneys general have exercised states’ rights under federal and state laws, policies and practices to increase competition and help facilitate the full and fair participation of clean energy resources in electricity markets. These efforts are helping to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other harmful pollution. The report details how state attorneys general are active in both federal and state clean energy matters, including by: • Defending state energy rights against unlawful federal government interventions; • Defending state energy laws and policies against Commerce Clause and other federal challenges made by incumbent energy providers and other third parties; • Appearing as advocates in state regulatory proceedings to ensure that traditional state utility practices do not inhibit the type of market entry and competition needed to achieve their states’ clean energy goals and requirements; • Protecting state residents from fraudulent and misleading practices by energy suppliers; and • Ensuring that utility planning considers both short-and longer-term economic and environmental interests, including climate impacts.