WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today the U.S. Department of Energy issued a new rule that would simplify and speed up the permitting review process for certain federal transmission projects. The rules would establish the U.S. Department of Energy as the lead agency for approving these projects and create a two-year deadline for project approvals.

In October 2023, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) urged the U.S. Department of Energy to create a centralized process for approving transmission infrastructure, and these new rules follow the trade association’s guidance.

Following is a statement from Ben Norris, vice president of regulatory affairs at the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA): 

“Under our current regulatory system, it could take more than a decade to get new transmission lines approved and built. Time is a luxury we simply don’t have. Coupled with updating grid infrastructure and resolving the growing interconnection queue, streamlining transmission approvals is an urgent, near-term priority for the U.S. solar and storage industry.

“These new rules will streamline a process that normally includes over a dozen agencies. In addition, the rules would implement a two-year deadline for approving projects, creating much needed accountability for all parties involved. These fixes will ultimately help us build out and modernize our transmission capacity, leading to greater grid reliability, lower electricity costs for all ratepayers, and new economic opportunities in communities across the country.

“SEIA and its partners have been calling for federal agencies to create smart solutions that improve the approval process for building out new transmission projects. We commend the Energy Dept. for listening to industry and putting forward thoughtful reforms that help us meet our clean energy goals.”