Electricity Transmission Permitting Reform Proposals (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Revised May 24, 2024 |
| Report Number |
R47627 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Ashley J. Lawson |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
Permitting reform has been a topic of debate in the 118th Congress. One aspect of this debate
addresses the processes for planning, siting, approving, and paying for electricity transmission
lines (broadly referred to as transmission permitting in this report). Proponents of transmission
permitting reform generally identify two main desired outcomes: (1) increased use of wind and
solar energy and (2) improved electric reliability and resilience. Debate has focused on perceived
hurdles to the development of large, interstate electricity transmission lines which are broadly viewed as being supportive of
these two desired outcomes.
This report compares provisions addressing these and other selected electricity transmission topics in 10 permitting reform
proposals in the 118th Congress, including the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (P.L. 118-5) which requires a study of
interregional transfer capacity. Separate from legislative proposals, FERC has initiated rulemakings that would address some
of the topics identified in this report. FERC could change some national transmission policies using its existing authority,
without enactment of new legislation specifically addressing electricity transmission permitting. Some Members of Congress
have publicly encouraged FERC to do so.
