Shannon Van Hoesen, shannon.vanhoesen@sierraclub.org
Jessica King, jessica.king@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In a positive step toward a cleaner and more reliable energy grid, the Federal Energy Regulatory Committee proposed a new rule yesterday to accelerate the siting of interstate electric transmission lines while adding additional opportunities to study the impact of transmission lines on impacted communities and the environment.
The draft rule proposes several changes to improve transmission siting, including provisions that would grant FERC additional flexibility to issue permits in select instances where a state has denied an applicant’s request, speed processing of applications by allowing simultaneous processing of state applications and FERC pre-filing proceedings, and add three new reports to be filed with permitting applications to consider a project’s impact on air quality, environmental justice, and Tribal communities.
This proposed rulemaking comes as Sierra Club joined a coalition of environmental groups in releasing transmission principles that offer a framework for building a more nimble and resilient grid, powered by clean energy. FERC’s new rule would begin to address some of the key challenges identified by the groups, including speeding up transmission line approval. Construction of new transmission lines is critical to make sure homes and businesses have reliable electricity from clean sources, like wind and solar. Adding this additional capacity, though, must not be done in a way that undermines bedrock environmental laws and jeopardizes clean air and water.
Public comments on the proposed rule are due 90 days after publication in the Federal Register.
In response, Sierra Club Senior Attorney Justin Vickers released the following statement:
“Unlike gas or oil, clean and renewable energy sources made in America like wind and solar won’t run out, and will provide a secure and stable energy supply that doesn’t leave consumers vulnerable to geopolitical price spikes. Solar and wind are the cheapest energy sources available and getting cheaper every year.
“Adding additional transmission lines for clean energy has been stymied in part by individual states with veto power over regional projects and utilities afraid of competition. FERC’s proposed rulemaking is a step towards the concrete plans that are needed to phase out dirty fuels and make a more reliable electric grid, fueled by 100 percent clean energy.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.