Shannon Van Hoesen, shannon.vanhoesen@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC - The Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration Act of 2023 (CETA), introduced today by U.S. Reps. Sean Casten (IL-6) and Mike Levin (CA-49), would address permitting issues that often slow the deployment of renewable energy sources and the transmission infrastructure that is crucially needed to support them. Increasing access to clean electricity will help to address the climate crisis by ensuring the reliability and resilience of the grid and reduce consumer’s utility bills because. Renewable energy, like solar and wind, is the least expensive source of energy.
A key element of the legislation would direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue a series of new rules that will improve interregional transmission planning and streamline the siting of new interstate projects, disperse the costs of major transmission projects, and promote the deployment of technologies to make better use of our existing grid, known as “grid enhancing assets.” The bill also responsibly encourages development of renewable energy on public lands and amends rules to encourage the build-out of offshore wind. Underpinning all of these updates, CETA will prioritize community engagement and decision-making at the earliest stages of the permitting process.
In response, Sierra Club Director of Beyond Dirty Fuels Policy Mahyar Sorour released the following statement:
“The energy sector is facing a trifecta of challenges, all of which can all be addressed by speeding the transition to clean electricity and substantially building out our electricity transmission infrastructure: we need to tackle the climate crisis, add resilience to the grid in the face of increasing extreme weather events, and ensure affordable energy for all consumers. The Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration (CETA) Act of 2023 would equitably and swiftly bring renewable energy online by paving the way for and incentivizing the development of wind and other clean energy sources and meaningfully engaging communities in permitting processes for all energy infrastructure at the earliest stages.”
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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.