Bill would let FERC approve power lines outside special corridors

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.

Where does it stand?