From Coal to Clean Energy: States Collaborate on Mid-Atlantic Energy Solutions

A Unified Front for Energy Affordability and Reliability

In a rare show of regional collaboration, lawmakers from Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia convened last Tuesday for the first-ever, multi-state policy hearing dedicated to addressing the Mid-Atlantic’s growing energy affordability and reliability challenges. Hosted by the Pennsylvania House Republican Policy Committee and chaired by Rep. David H. Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), the event brought together legislators, energy experts, and industry leaders to develop coordinated solutions for a shared grid under strain.

“Families, businesses, and communities across our region are feeling the same pressure — rising electricity bills, regulatory bottlenecks, and power shortages,” said Rowe. “Our states share the same grid, the same transmission lines, and the same responsibility to keep the lights on. This hearing marks a unified effort to move beyond symbolism and toward real solutions.”

Rep. Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks) and New Jersey Assemblyman Paul Kanitra, who have led the effort, co-authored a joint op-ed in RealClear Energy highlighting the nonpartisan nature of the issue: “Together, we’re demonstrating that energy reliability and affordability aren’t partisan issues; they’re foundational issues that affect every family and business.”

Mounting Pressures on the PJM Grid
Stephen Bennett, senior manager for regulatory and legislative affairs at PJM Interconnection—the regional transmission organization serving 67 million people across 13 states and the District of Columbia—outlined a sobering picture of mounting stress on the grid.

Bennett explained that surging energy demand from artificial intelligence, data centers, and electrification is rapidly outpacing the addition of new power generation. He cautioned that, without meaningful course correction, the region could face a “resource adequacy deficit by 2030—or even sooner.” Bennett underscored the need to maintain a diverse energy portfolio of natural gas, coal, nuclear, and renewables to meet growing demand.

Industry Leaders Urge Energy Realism and Reform
Rob Jennings of the American Petroleum Institute noted Pennsylvania’s 400,000 energy-supported jobs and called for long-overdue permitting reform. “There’s no question about supply. We have it. There’s no question about demand. It’s there,” Jennings said. “The question is whether we can connect the two.”

Rachel Gleason, executive director of the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance, pointed to coal’s critical role during peak demand events, arguing that “you can’t run a reliable and resilient grid based on the weather.” She emphasized that maintaining the existing coal fleet is not merely an option, but “a necessity.”

Maddie Milam of the Consumer Energy Alliance called for an “all-of-the-above” approach, warning that “a patchwork of incompatible state mandates” and regulatory delays are driving up costs and straining the grid.

State Policy Impacts on Regional Stability
Lawmakers from neighboring states shared how their respective policies are affecting energy reliability.
New Jersey Assemblyman John DiMaio urged the state to withdraw from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), eliminate unnecessary taxes, and invest in new natural gas generation.
In Maryland, Delegate Brian Chisholm pointed to restrictive mandates and five recent plant closures that have contributed to “skyrocketing energy bills that are crushing Marylanders.”
Joining virtually, Virginia Delegate Mike Webert reminded attendees that his state imports 38% of its energy and thanked the group for collaborating to strengthen the region’s energy future.

Assessing Pennsylvania’s Position
The hearing also featured criticism of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s leadership. While Shapiro co-chairs the National Governors Association’s “Energy and Infrastructure Working Group,” panelists said that his calls for reform at the federal level have yet to translate into meaningful action at home.

Elizabeth Stelle, vice president of policy at the Commonwealth Foundation, noted that Pennsylvania’s competitive energy market has kept electricity prices below the national average, even as neighboring RGGI states have seen steeper costs. “Competitive markets are how we got to reliable, relatively stable electricity costs in Pennsylvania,” Stelle said, “and that’s how we will continue to have them.”

A Shared Vision for the Future
The session concluded with agreement across state lines: the Mid-Atlantic must coordinate on grid stability, permitting reform, and balanced energy development. Bennett offered a reminder that cooperation transcends ideology: “Rather than cast blame, let’s come together—right, left, fossil, renewable—it doesn’t matter. We need supply, and we need to make sure we can meet demand.”

Rep. Rowe closed by reaffirming the hearing’s central message: “Energy policy isn’t about politics—it’s about people. Working families, small businesses, and manufacturers depend on affordable, reliable energy. Together, we’re ready to lead with solutions that restore both.”