IRA Section 50152 – Grants to Facilitate the Siting of Interstate Electricity Transmission Lines

Section 50152 of the IRA appropriates $760 million to DOE to make grants to support the development of “covered transmission projects,” defined as projects involving the construction of a high-voltage interstate or offshore electricity transmission line.

DOE may use the funds appropriated under section 50152 of the IRA to make grants to a state, local, or tribal entity that has authority over the siting, permitting, or regulation of a covered transmission project to enable them to conduct or commission “studies and analyses of the impacts” of the project, participate in regulatory proceedings or negotiations in another jurisdiction that is also considering the siting or permitting of the project, participate in regulatory proceedings before the FERC or a state regulatory commission to determine rates and cost allocation for the project, or undertake other measures or actions that “may improve the chances of, and shorten the time required for, approval” of the project by the state, local, or tribal entity. In order to receive such a grant, the state, local, or tribal entity must agree, in writing, to reach a final decision on the siting or permitting of the covered transmission project within two years after the date on which the grant is provided.

DOE may also use the funds appropriated under section 50152 of the IRA to make grants to a state, local, or tribal entity for economic development activities for communities that may be affected by the construction and operation of a covered transmission project.

The funds appropriated by section 50152 of the IRA will remain available until September 30, 2029.