Bill would let FERC approve power lines outside special corridors
In committeeH.R. 5600Latest action
Sponsor: Scott H. Peters · Representative · CA
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Official title: SPEED and Reliability Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The SPEED and Reliability Act would let FERC approve needed transmission lines anywhere, not just in designated corridors.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill removes the current requirement that FERC only approve transmission lines within specially designated "national interest" corridors, letting it approve projects anywhere that meet standards like reducing congestion and improving grid reliability. It also names a single lead agency to coordinate permitting, sets stricter decision deadlines, and clarifies rules for consulting landowners, states, and tribes and dividing costs among utility customers.
Who does it affect?
Electric utility companies, landowners near proposed routes (including farmers and ranchers), state governments, and energy regulators would be affected. Texas's ERCOT grid is specifically excluded.
Why does it matter?
Faster permitting could speed up transmission projects nationwide, but the changes could also reduce the role of specially designated corridors and raise questions about state and local control over projects, even though the bill preserves states' authority to decide whether lines can be built within their borders.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedSep 26, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Sep 26, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.