Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB1804

Introduced
6/1/23  

Caption

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

Impact

The proposed changes under SB1804 would significantly alter how electric transmission facilities are permitted, particularly on federal lands. By reducing the time for reviews and enhancing coordination between federal and state agencies, the bill is expected to facilitate better infrastructure readiness for electric transmission. Notably, the establishment of a Federal Land Electric Energy Transmission Conservation Fund aims to mitigate environmental impacts while providing funds for local communities affected by these projects, which could be crucial in balancing development with environmental conservation efforts.

Summary

SB1804, also known as the Facilitating America’s Siting of Transmission and Electric Reliability Act of 2023, aims to streamline the approval and permitting processes for certain electric transmission facilities in the United States. The bill intends to amend the Federal Power Act by establishing provisions that prioritize the expedition of reviews for national interest electric transmission facilities. It establishes a framework for community benefit agreements (CBAs) between project sponsors and stakeholders, which are designed to ensure stakeholder engagement and provide community benefits throughout the construction and operation of the transmission projects.

Contention

Despite its goals, SB1804 has drawn some concerns. Critics argue that expediting the permitting process may compromise environmental standards and diminish the comprehensive evaluation usually warranted for such significant developments. The emphasis on community benefit agreements is a notable provision; however, there are apprehensions regarding enforcement and the actual benefits these agreements may yield for impacted communities. Moreover, the bill aims to simplify federal coordination, which raises questions about accountability and potential overreach of federal authority in local matters.

Companion Bills

US HB4689

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

Similar Bills

US HB4689

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 SB458

North American Transatlantic Resource Security Partnership Act of 2023

US HB1058

Promoting Cross-border Energy Infrastructure Act