States that don’t re-envision the way their gas utility systems run will be challenged to meet their climate targets. To help states avoid that fate, EDF has developed a new guide suggesting ways that state regulators can navigate this complex challenge.
The report argues for both procedural changes (such as more inclusive proceedings that incorporate robust stakeholder input) and substantive ones (such as enhanced regulatory oversight to prevent gas assets from becoming stranded). It encourages states to consider who will be using the system, and who will be paying for it going forward, to ensure an equitable transition to cleaner forms of energy.
This guide for state policymakers offers a road map to bridge the disconnect between gas regulation and climate commitments. It sets forth 25 different recommendations based on EDF’s experience engaging in gas regulatory proceedings across the country, as well as early-stage activities underway in certain states.
The recommendations are broadly organized into three categories:
- Inclusive and transparent decision-making.
- Rigorous long-term planning.
- Coordination of near-term decisions and long-term goals.