New Proposal for Electric Transmission Permits a “Vital Component for Addressing the Climate Crisis” – EDF

(Washington, D.C. – August 18, 2023) Environmental Defense Fund today commended the Biden administration for a new proposal that will shorten and streamline the process for expanding the U.S. power grid.

The proposed Coordinated Interagency Transmission Authorizations and Permits program would accelerate environmental reviews and other permitting processes for electric transmission facilities. It would make the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) the lead agency for permitting reviews and would set a two-year deadline for the process.

“Accelerating the buildout of our electric transmission system is a vital component for addressing the climate crisis and protecting all Americans from the increasingly common, and deadly, heat waves, wildfires, and floods we’ve seen this summer,” said Ted Kelly, EDF Senior Attorney for Energy Markets and Regulation. “Creating a streamlined and efficient process for issuing electric transmission permits will help us connect more renewable power sources to our grid while reducing costs and preventing delays. It’s also wonderful to see that the proposal includes provisions ensuring that key stakeholders, including Tribes and local communities, have a meaningful opportunity for input.”

DOE will accept public comments on the proposal for 45 days.