Federal Agency Proposes Rule to Improve Coordination, Help Expand U.S. Electric Grid

On October 2, 2023, The Pew Charitable Trusts submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) supporting provisions in the proposed Coordination of Federal Authorizations for Electric Transmission Facilities rule. Pew’s comments praised the agency’s approach to promoting timely upgrades to, and expansion of, the nation’s electric grid to more rapidly decarbonize electricity generation.

Pew’s letter applauded DOE’s move to establish a framework for coordinating federal authorizations; serve as the lead agency for a single National Environmental Policy Act review; require developer participation in a pre-application process; and necessitate a public participation and engagement plan, as well as advance the flexibility of a standard schedule. Pew believes that taken together, these elements can result in expedited and effective permitting of much-needed transmission facilities.