WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following is a statement from the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE)’s Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Elise Caplan, on the actions announced by the Biden administration today to improve federal transmission permitting processes and accelerate the development of transmission in the United States:

“We are very pleased to see the Department of Energy (DOE) and the White House addressing America’s critical need for transmission expansion. Numerous studies, including DOE’s National Transmission Needs study, have shown that having more transmission, especially interregional lines, would enhance grid reliability, reduce electricity costs, and dramatically lower carbon emissions. Yet, today, the construction of transmission lines often takes a staggering length of time that is nowhere near the speed at which transmission must be built to meet our nation’s goals.

“DOE’s creation of the Coordinated Interagency Transmission Authorizations and Permits (CITAP) Program will add much-needed efficiencies to the permitting of high-voltage lines undergoing National Environmental Policy Act environmental studies while also ensuring early and meaningful community engagement. The expansion of Categorical Exclusions for transmission upgrades, coupled with the White House’s announcement of a goal to upgrade 100,000 miles of transmission lines over the next five years, will obtain greater capabilities from the existing grid. Finally, the advancement of the Southwest Intertie Project through the innovative Transmission Facilitation Program is an important investment in expanding America’s transmission capacity.

“While there is still more to be done, these DOE actions represent helpful progress toward a more streamlined system and expanded electric grid.”

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About ACORE:
For over 20 years, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) has been the nation’s leading voice on the issues most essential to renewable energy expansion. ACORE unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a renewable energy economy. For more information, please visit www.acore.org.

Media Contact:
Alex Hobson
Sr. Vice President, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
hobson@acore.org | 202.830.3592 (o) | 202.594.0706 (c)

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