Clean energy projects stuck in yearslong queue as Maryland, neighboring states seek fix

A coal-fired power plant near Baltimore will be operating past its planned retirement date next year, pumping out pollution, while the cheaper clean energy projects that could help replace it are stuck in a queue to connect to the region’s electric grid. That’s the type of snarl a recent federal order aims to reduce by requiring regional grid operators to carry out long-term planning that accounts for states’ needs, including their clean energy targets.