USA, Washington, D.C.: The US Department of Energy has cancelled plans to designate three areas as National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors, ending a Biden-era initiative intended to accelerate construction of high-voltage power lines.
The proposed corridors covered parts of Pennsylvania, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, as well as areas around Lake Erie and five Native American reservations.
National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor status can give federal regulators a greater role in permitting transmission projects where state approvals are delayed or denied. The designation was intended to support faster development of long-distance transmission infrastructure.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the administration was changing course because transmission policy should prioritise costs, reliability and local community concerns.
The decision could affect plans for expanding transmission capacity in regions where new generation and electricity demand are increasing. Long-distance lines can move electricity between markets and connect new generation sources, including fossil fuel, nuclear and renewable projects, to the grid.
Environmental groups criticised the cancellation, arguing that additional transmission infrastructure is needed to strengthen the grid, reduce congestion and support new electricity generation.
The Department of Energy said it would not move forward with the three corridor designations previously under consideration.
Source: The Hill
