Controversy Surrounds Obama Administration's Fast-Tracked Transmission Projects

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Research by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--A lack of a modern, adequate and efficient transmission grid is a major barrier to utilities and developers of renewable energy projects. Energy developers know too well that the miles of cross-state transmission lines needed to connect solar and windfarms can get bogged down in the never-ending permitting process. Each project must receive state, city and county permits before being constructed.

Earlier this month, the Obama administration announced that it would fast-track seven power transmission line projects, accelerating the permitting procedures, and helping increase cooperation between state and federal agencies. The projects include:

• Susquehanna-Roseland transmission line
• Gateway West transmission line
• Trans-West Express transmission line
• Cascade Crossing transmission line
• SunZia transmission line
• Boardman-Heminway transmission line
• Hampton-Rochester-La Crosse transmission line

The fast-track assignments are being led by the Rapid Response Transmission Team, which consists of staff from nine federal agencies that intend to improve the regulatory and permitting processes.

While the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) applauds the Obama administration for taking steps in the right direction, the move is drawing strong criticism from others. One of the lines is the controversial $1 billion Susquehanna-Roseland transmission line that is being developed by PSEG Power LLC (Newark, New Jersey), part of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG). This is a 500-kilovolt, high-voltage transmission line that will run 130 miles in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The line could be the first line constructed in the fast-track program.

The project was stopped dead in its tracks in 2010 and has been sitting in regulatory limbo. It has drawn condemnation from conservation groups, including the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and the Middle Delaware National Scenic River. The project was placed on hold while the National Park Service reviewed the environmental process.

The fast-track projects are being criticized for the federal government impeding on states' rights and bypassing environmental and conversation processes and legislation. While the projects are certainly still active, the immediate future of many of these projects remains uncertain.

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