BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh on Monday joined a coalition of 11 attorneys general in calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to recognize and consider the states’ shared priority of transitioning to a cleaner energy system and to adopt policies and take actions that aid in that effort.

“Maryland has made great strides on clean energy,” said Attorney General Frosh. “If FERC is unwilling to lead, it must at least respect our efforts and those of other states. At a bare minimum, FERC must not undermine the work we do to protect the health of our citizens and our natural resources.”

In a letter sent to FERC commissioners, the coalition asserts that the states have adopted important policies to address the health, economic, and environmental harms caused by alleged climate change. These policies not only require reductions in climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions, but will enhance electric grid reliability and security, lower costs, improve air quality, and assist markets in maintaining adequate resources at just and reasonable rates. As the letter notes, however, FERC’s actions and decisions can significantly affect the states’ abilities to meet their climate and clean energy goals.

“Decisions made today will shape the electricity system for decades to come,” the coalition writes. “Now, more than ever, it is essential for the states and the Commission to work together to ensure that the Commissions actions advance, not impede, state policies and prerogatives.”

In addition to Maryland, the letter was signed by the attorneys general of California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.