America’s data center backlash is speeding up energy reform

As a young lawyer working for an environmental nonprofit, Allison Clements always thought politics would prevent her from becoming an energy regulator. But by the time Senator Chuck Schumer recommended her to replace Cheryl LaFleur on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in 2019,  Allison had already been practicing energy regulatory law for 15 years, and she had the clean energy deployment experience the commission needed.When she left the Commission in 2024, Allison launched 804 Advisory to help  investors, developers, and nonprofits navigate energy decisions. This week on With Great Power, Allison shares why she thinks the energy affordability crisis and the growing data center backlash is quickening the pace of regulatory reforms. She also talks about how New Jersey and other states are advancing policies aimed at deploying clean, affordable energy. And she explains why she's so bullish on the opportunities for residential batteries and plug-in solar right now.Credits: Hosted by Brad Langley. Produced by Mary Catherine O'Connor. Edited by Anne Bailey. Original music and engineering by Sean Marquand. Stephen Lacey is executive editor. The GridX production team includes Jenni Barber, Samantha McCabe and Brad Langley.