Permitting Solutions for a Strong, Clean and Reliable Grid Must Continue

(WASHINGTON – December 16, 2024) In negotiating the continuing resolution, policymakers excluded solutions to ease clean energy permitting and strengthen the electric grid that were in the Energy Permitting and Reform Act.

“We all depend on a reliable electric grid to power our homes, schools and businesses, but the aging and fragmented U.S. system is increasingly being put to the test by more frequent and severe storms. Building a strong backbone of transmission lines that can deliver clean, affordable power is critical to keeping the lights on and meeting growing demand for electricity.

“We hoped Congress would improve the Energy Permitting and Reform Act to build transmission faster while preserving critical community protections. While this language wasn’t included in the year-ending funding bill, we are committed to ending the transmission bottleneck and tapping into the nation's vast supplies of wind and solar energy resources. Our priorities include transmission planning that can link communities with affordable, clean energy from other regions. We also need to fast-track permitting for major lines that can bolster reliability and lower energy bills.

“Access to reliable and affordable power is not just a red or blue issue. A bipartisan majority of voters agree that building more transmission is important for the U.S. We need Congress to act on transmission and permitting policies that unleash clean, abundant power and support safeguards for communities.”

• Amanda Leland, Executive Director of Environmental Defense Fund