This bill streamlines the federal permitting process for high-voltage electric transmission lines deemed necessary in the national interest. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) would be authorized to issue permits for new or upgraded transmission facilities if they reduce congestion, improve reliability, enhance energy independence, and are consistent with the public interest—while maintaining a minimum 60-day public comment period and consultation with affected states, tribes, and landowners. The legislation modifies cost allocation rules to ensure that only customers who benefit from new transmission infrastructure bear the costs, with protections for those receiving trivial or no benefits. FERC would serve as the lead agency coordinating federal authorizations, with the Department of Interior taking the lead role for facilities on the Outer Continental Shelf. The bill exempts ERCOT (the Texas grid operator) from these provisions and includes a deadline of 18 months for the Department of Energy to issue rules implementing the changes.
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