ACORE Comments on DOE Coordination of Transmission Authorizations Proposal

Coordination of Federal Authorizations for Electric Transmission Facilities
Department of Energy, DOE–HQ–2023–0050

COMMENTS OF THE AMERICAN COUNCIL ON RENEWABLE ENERGY

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) appreciates the opportunity to provide these comments to the Department of Energy (DOE) on the proposed rulemaking on the Coordination of Federal Authorizations for Electric Transmission Facilities. ACORE commends DOE for proposing these revisions to the regulations implementing section 216(h) of the Federal Power Act (FPA), which can greatly improve the time frame and efficiency of the permitting of certain high-voltage transmission facilities, which are critically needed for the achievement of decarbonization, improved reliability, cost savings, and multiple other benefits.

While we support the proposed rule and the creation of the Coordinated Interagency Transmission Authorizations and Permits (CITAP) Program, ACORE offers the following comments to improve its implementation.