New FERC rule is a positive step, but Congressional action still needed
May 17, 2024 – Citizens’ Climate Lobby is encouraged to see the new FERC transmission rules adopted this week. The swift buildout of our outdated and significant transmission infrastructure is a key step to getting more clean energy on the grid and lowering our GHG emissions, this rule will help achieve that goal. However, it is clear Congress still needs to act so we can build at the speed required to meet our climate goals.
The final rule directs transmission providers to undertake long-term regional planning to anticipate needs over a 20-year window. It instructs that the cost benefits of factors like improved grid reliability and efficiency should be accounted for and that the costs of these projects should be allocated in proportion to the expected benefits of the new transmission capacity. A second rule establishes FERC’s authority to issue permits to construct transmission lines in National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors if a state has denied a siting application. It also requires that transmission project developers create community and tribal engagement plans.
These are all topics CCL volunteers and staff have raised with Congress in our meetings and outreach around permitting reform, so we are glad to see them addressed to some extent in these rules.
Even with these rules in place, it’s clear that Congress can and should do more to ensure we can build enough clean energy infrastructure in time to meet our climate goals. Our volunteers and staff remain committed to working with Republican and Democratic congressional offices on bipartisan permitting reform legislation that boosts clean energy and cuts climate pollution.
CONTACT: Charlotte Ward, CCL Communications, 314-809-7829, charlotte.ward@citizensclimate.org
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Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy organization
focused on national policies to address climate change. Learn more at citizensclimatelobby.org.
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