01 Apr
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 27, 2021) — Today, Americans for a Clean Energy Grid released a new report, “Transmission Projects Ready to Go: Plugging Into America’s Untapped Renewable Resources, ” which identifies 22 shovel ready, high-voltage transmission projects across the country that, if constructed, would create approximately 1,240,000 American jobs and lead to 60,000 megawatts (MW) of new renewable energy capacity, increasing American’s wind and solar generation by nearly 50 percent.
These regional and interregional transmission lines would not only bring quality wind and solar resources to areas with high demand but also increase economic development and grid resiliency as well as provide cost-savings for consumers.
Currently, construction on these large projects have , preventing many of the benefits of expanded transmission from being realized. In order for construction on these lines to commence, proper transmission policies relating to how long-range transmission is planned, paid for, and permitted must be passed. The report recommends the following policy changes:
Currently, construction on these large projects have , preventing many of the benefits of expanded transmission from being realized. In order for construction on these lines to commence, proper transmission policies relating to how long-range transmission is planned, paid for, and permitted must be passed. The report recommends the following policy changes:
- Passage of a transmission investment tax credit;
- Direct investment in new transmission lines, with the federal government serving as an “anchor tenant” customer;
- FERC using its authority to reform transmission planning and cost allocation; and
- Streamlining and expediting the permitting process.
Read the full report here. Read the full press release here.