Vanessa Z. Chan Chief Commercialization Officer for the Department of Energy | Official Website
DOE Announces New Federal Permitting Rule To Slash Transmission Review Timelines in Half While Maintaining Integrity of the Environmental Review Process, New $331 Million Investment to Add More Than 2,000 Megawatts Across the Western U.S. Grid
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Biden-Harris Administration unveiled a final transmission permitting reform rule and a new $331 million commitment to enhance grid capacity in the Western United States, marking a significant step towards a resilient, reliable, and modernized electric grid.
John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, emphasized the importance of rapid transmission build-out to achieve clean energy and climate goals. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland highlighted the Department of the Interior's efforts in reviewing and approving clean energy projects in the American West.
The new Coordinated Interagency Transmission Authorizations and Permits (CITAP) Program, established by the Department of Energy, aims to streamline Federal environmental reviews and permitting processes for qualifying transmission projects. Eric Beightel, Permitting Council Executive Director, expressed excitement about the partnership with CITAP to enhance transparency and efficiency in the federal permitting process for critical transmission projects.
Additionally, DOE announced a $331 million investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the Southwest Intertie Project (SWIP-N), which will bring wind energy from Idaho to Southern Nevada and California. This project will add over 2,000 MW of transmission capacity, create more than 300 new jobs, and enhance grid resilience in the region.
The Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to expedite permitting processes and invest in grid infrastructure are crucial steps towards achieving clean, reliable, and affordable power for American households and businesses. These initiatives align with the administration's commitment to combat climate change, reduce energy costs, and strengthen energy security and grid reliability.
