U.S. Department Of Energy Plan Would Speed Approval For Electric Power Lines

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposed a plan that would speed up the completion of environmental reviews and other federal approvals for electric power lines.

The agency said the new initiative, called the Coordinated Interagency Transmission Authorization and Permits (CITAP) Program, would allow these projects to be rejected or accepted within two years — a significant improvement from the current timeline. As the DOE noted, “Currently, the process of building transmission projects can take more than a decade.”

Under the plan the DOE would be the lead agency conducting environmental impact statements and other federal reviews for transmission projects so developers would not need to go through multiple federal agencies. Currently, large transmission projects typically need approvals from the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and other agencies depending on where the project is located and its scope.

The CITAP Program will not replace any state or local government permitting or siting authorities or any requirement of federal law, however.

The DOE is taking public comment and feedback on the proposal until the end of the day on October 2, 2023. Read more about how you can make your voice heard here.