A long-debated idea to connect the West’s fractured power grid is finally gaining traction—but only if red and blue states can agree on how to share control. (Stateline)
California just opened the door with a new law that allows for a regional energy market across 11 states. Supporters say a Western RTO would cut costs, strengthen reliability, and speed the clean energy transition by letting states trade surplus power instead of building peakers that sit idle most of the year.
Yes, but: Some states worry about losing control. Climate leaders don’t want coal-heavy neighbors dragging them backward, and conservative states distrust California’s influence. Others warn a Trump-era FERC could use a regional grid to prop up fossil fuels.
Still, momentum is building: Nevada and Colorado have already pledged to join by 2030, and more states are exploring it.