§18715a Grants to Facilitate the Siting of Interstate Electricity Transmission Lines

Summary

Provides $760,000,000 for fiscal year 2022, available through September 30, 2029, for the Secretary to give grants and pay related admin costs to help place high-voltage interstate or offshore power lines. Grants can pay for studies and impact analyses; looking at up to three alternate routes; a siting authority taking part in regulatory or negotiation proceedings in another jurisdiction or under a Transmission Organization; taking part in FERC or State rate and cost-allocation proceedings; and other steps the Secretary finds would speed approval. The Secretary can also fund economic development for communities affected by a project, but no grant may create spending after September 30, 2031. To get a grant for the siting work, the siting authority must agree in writing to make a final decision on the permit or siting within two years of getting the grant, unless the Secretary allows more time for good cause. Federal funds for participation in the outside or FERC/state proceedings are limited to 50 percent of the cost. Economic development funds are paid only after the siting authority approves the project, or for other government entities only after construction starts in their area. If a siting authority does not spend its grant within two years, it must return the unused money. Covered transmission project: a proposed high-voltage interstate or offshore line of at least 275 kV (200 kV if offshore) where the builder has applied or told the siting authority it will apply. Siting authority: a state, local, or Tribal government that can make the final siting or permitting decision in its area.