USA - The bill includes energy permitting provisions that would designate and prioritize projects of strategic national importance.

T&D World has announced that U.S. Senator Joe Manchin released the details of a bill meant to speed up the construction of electric transmission, natural gas pipelines and other energy infrastructure.

As part of the Inflation Reduction Act signed into law on Aug. 16, 2022, Senator Manchin secured a commitment to pass a comprehensive permitting reform package before the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30, 2022. Permitting reform should increase American energy production to provide relief at the pump and on energy bills while bolstering national and international security, according to Manchin.

"No matter what you want to build, whether it's transmission pipelines or hydropower dams, more often than not, it takes too long and drives up costs," Manchin said.

The bill includes energy permitting provisions that would designate and prioritize projects of strategic national importance. The President would designate and periodically update a list of at least 25 high-priority energy infrastructure projects and prioritize permitting for these projects. The criteria for selecting designated projects includes: reducing consumer energy costs, improving energy reliability, decarbonization potential, and promoting energy trade with allies.

Source: T&D World