While 2024 brought notable success on state-level climate policy in Massachusetts, 2025 brings significant uncertainty regarding whether the change in federal administration will slow the momentum of the clean energy transition in the region.

"Deep, collaborative partnerships combined with creative problem-solving are the only way we can meet the explosion of AI growth, as well as society's accelerating electricity demand," said Sheldon Kimber, CEO of Intersect Power.

Advanced Energy United released a report finding major economic benefits from speeding up the queues, which will lead to more investments in generation and associated jobs across the country.

To move forward in the second Trump administration, both Democrats and Republicans will need to depoliticize the debate around climate and energy issues as they face the impacts of increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather, while meeting growing power demand from artificial intelligence, data centers and new manufacturing.

Change is coming to FERC after Tuesday's election, but the policies the agency oversees are rarely top of mind during campaigns, so it is unclear how much will be different.

On top of its 350 MW of current data center load, PSEG has received formal applications for nearly 400 MW of new data center load and inquiries on over 1,200 MW in data center feasibility studies in new business.

FERC acted on rehearing requests for Order 1977, finalizing the rules it will follow under limited backstop siting authority for transmission lines.