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. By analyzing and comparing these reforms, it provides five recommendations for PJM to further reform its procedures. It also offers recommendations outside of interconnection queue procedures. These proposed recommendations comply with Order 2023 and Order 1920, recently enacted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The Article takes a comprehensive approach to reform, providing regional grid operators a way to reduce the queue backlog and help connect renewable projects.

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. On March 20, the Environmental Law Institute hosted a panel of experts to discuss the current global state of LNG exportation, the consequences of the pause, and potential changes to DOE’s permit review. This Dialogue presents a transcript of that discussion, which has been edited for style, clarity, and space considerations.