To amend the Federal Power Act to facilitate more expeditious review and permitting of certain electric transmission facilities, and for other purposes.
# Summary of H.R. 4689 — FASTER Act of 2023
This bill streamlines the federal permitting process for high-voltage electric transmission lines that cross state lines. It gives the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) authority to issue permits for major transmission projects when states delay approval or deny applications, provided the projects meet certain criteria like reducing congestion and serving the national interest.
The bill establishes a 5-year timeline for the entire federal review process and requires project sponsors to negotiate community benefit agreements with affected communities, local governments, and labor unions. These agreements must include measurable commitments and annual public reporting. The legislation also allows project developers to use eminent domain to acquire land for transmission lines if good-faith negotiation fails, with property owners entitled to fair market value compensation.
To support implementation, the bill increases FERC's hiring flexibility to recruit specialized staff, creates a conservation fund from transmission project revenues on federal land (with portions going to affected states and counties), and allows federal and state agencies to accept funding from applicants to speed up permit reviews. The bill dedicates 70 percent of a $550 million grant program to help disadvantaged communities affected by transmission projects, with priority given to entities significantly impacted by construction.
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