Sens. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., and John Barrasso, R-Wyo., have introduced legislation that would strengthen the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s authority to approve transmission lines and require interregional planning. The Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 would eliminate the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designation process and allow FERC to approve projects deemed to be in the national interest. The bill also changes FERC’s existing backstop siting authority for interstate electric transmission lines. It requires transmission planners to consider advanced conductors and reconductoring as a way to maximize the transmission capabilities of existing infrastructure and rights-of-way. If not passed this year, it could move permitting and transmission reform up the agenda for the next Congress.
Solar Dominates US Energy Capacity Growth
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has published data showing that solar accounted for over 75% of US electrical generating
