10 May
Wednesday, May 10 (Washington D.C.) — Today, the Biden administration outlined its vision to expand and modernize the U.S. electric grid, announcing several executive-level actions and legislative priorities that will accelerate transmission permitting. Those actions include establishing an updated process to designate National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors and releasing a multi-agency Memorandum of Understanding to improve the efficiency of federal transmission reviews. ACEG Executive Director Christina Hayes released the following statement:
“ACEG applauds the Biden administration for its ongoing commitment to expanding our nation’s grid infrastructure to provide reliable, affordable electricity to all Americans. Today’s actions make good use of existing laws, while building the case for strong new legislation from Congress.
“The multi-agency agreement clearly gives the Department of Energy the power to require robust community outreach and coordination among agencies, which will make transmission permitting more efficient. Still, opportunities for further improvement remain: the agreement should also include the Department of Transportation, so that it can site transmission lines in existing highway rights-of-way.
“The administration’s call for Congressional action identifies important priorities, such as increasing the amount of interregional transmission, which helps keep the lights on in case of extreme weather. ACEG also encourages Congress to establish a bright line for major transmission facilities to qualify for federal siting. We will continue to work closely with the administration and with Congress to develop durable siting and permitting solutions that get us closer to the clean, reliable, cost-effective grid Americans deserve.”
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About Americans for a Clean Energy Grid:
Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG) is a non-profit, broad-based public interest advocacy coalition focused on the need to expand, integrate, and modernize the North American high-capacity grid. ACEG brings together a diverse coalition — including business, labor, consumer, environmental groups, and other transmission supporters — to advocate for policies that recognize the benefits of a robust transmission grid. For more information, please visit cleanenergygrid.org.
Media Contact:
Hannah Schuster, Communications Associate
hannah@dgardiner.com | 703-298-2339
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