Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB4689

Introduced
7/17/23  
Refer
7/17/23  
Refer
7/21/23  

Caption

FASTER Act of 2023 Facilitating America’s Siting of Transmission and Electric Reliability Act of 2023

Impact

The bill’s impacts on state laws include an increase in federal authority over the siting of electric transmission facilities, particularly in areas where states may have insufficient powers. By facilitating quicker permitting processes, HB 4689 aims to reduce bottlenecks in energy transmission capabilities and reinforce the infrastructure needed for energy security. However, it also raises concerns about potential conflicts with state regulations and the loss of local control over energy infrastructure.

Summary

House Bill 4689, known as the 'FASTER Act of 2023', seeks to amend the Federal Power Act by streamlining the review and permitting process for certain electric transmission facilities deemed to be in the national interest. The bill defines 'national interest electric transmission facilities' and provides specific criteria and responsibilities for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding the permitting process. This legislation includes provisions that allow for expedited reviews and emphasizes the importance of community benefit agreements between project sponsors and affected parties.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding HB 4689 revolve around the balance between federal and state oversight. Critics argue that the bill may undermine local engagement in the siting of electric transmission facilities, potentially benefiting utility companies at the expense of community interests. In contrast, supporters claim that the bill is essential for modernizing the nation’s electric grid amidst increasing demand for energy—a necessity in addressing energy independence and environmental goals effectively.

Companion Bills

US SB1804

Related FASTER Act of 2023 Facilitating America's Siting of Transmission and Electric Reliability Act of 2023

Similar Bills

US SB1804

FASTER Act of 2023 Facilitating America's Siting of Transmission and Electric Reliability Act of 2023

US HB1

Lower Energy Costs Act This bill provides for the exploration, development, importation, and exportation of energy resources (e.g., oil, gas, and minerals). For example, it sets forth provisions to (1) expedite energy projects, (2) eliminate or reduce certain fees related to the development of federal energy resources, and (3) eliminate certain funds that provide incentives to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases. The bill expedites the development, importation, and exportation of energy resources, including by waiving environmental review requirements and other specified requirements under certain environmental laws, eliminating certain restrictions on the import and export of oil and natural gas, prohibiting the President from declaring a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing (a type of process used to extract underground energy resources), directing the Department of the Interior to conduct sales for the leasing of oil and gas resources on federal lands and waters as specified by the bill, and limiting the authority of the President and executive agencies to restrict or delay the development of energy on federal land. In addition, the bill reduces royalties for oil and gas development on federal land and eliminates charges on methane emissions. It also eliminates a variety of funds, such as funds for energy efficiency improvements in buildings as well as the greenhouse gas reduction fund.

US SB2042

Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act

US SB1456

SPUR Act Spur Permitting of Underdeveloped Resources Act

US SB946

SITE Act Streamlining Interstate Transmission of Electricity Act

US HB1335

TAPP American Resources Act Transparency, Accountability, Permitting, and Production of American Resources Act

US HB178

Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act of 2023This bill sets forth provisions regarding development of geothermal, solar, or wind energy on public lands. The Department of the Interior shall establish priority areas on its land for geothermal, solar, and wind energy projects, consistent with the principles of multiple use and the renewable energy permitting goal. Among applications for a given renewable energy source, proposed projects located in priority areas for that renewable energy source shall be given the highest priority for incentivizing deployment, and be offered the opportunity to participate in any regional mitigation plan developed for the relevant priority areas. The bill provides for the disposition of revenues from the development of wind or solar energy. The bill establishes the Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund to make funds available to federal, state, and tribal agencies for distribution in regions in which renewable energy projects are located on federal land for (1) restoring and protecting natural water bodies and fish and wildlife habitat and corridors, and (2) preserving and improving recreational access to federal land and water in an affected region.

US SB458

North American Transatlantic Resource Security Partnership Act of 2023