By James Downing

The Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan group of House members, has released a framework for energy infrastructure permitting legislation as momentum for a bill grows in Congress. 

The caucus’ Permitting, Energy and Environment Working Group, led by Reps. Scott Peters (D-Calif.) and Gabe Evans (R-Colo.) and co-chairs Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.), developed the framework over the past few months by working with energy producers, industry experts, members of relevant congressional committees and other stakeholders. 

“America faces a choice between cheap, abundant energy from all-of-the-above sources or higher energy prices, falling behind China and an increased risk of blackouts,”?Peters said in a statement. “It’s obvious where we need to go. To get there, we know we need to update our environmental laws to meet the challenges of today and invest in a grid for this century. This platform represents a bipartisan commitment to set aside ideology and solve this problem for the American people. I look forward to working with my colleagues to keep the momentum going and turn this into legislation that can pass both chambers of Congress.” 

The framework for permitting reform covers a range issues from efforts to streamline reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act to changing how the largely untested National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETCs) work by allowing just one line (rather than a broader region) to qualify as a corridor. The NIETCs are designated by the Department of Energy and any lines qualify for backstop siting at FERC. 

The NIETC process would be amended to allow for simultaneous state and federal reviews (recognizing state authority), and it would require DOE to act on applications within 90 days. 

The process for judicial review of DOE- and FERC-approved linear infrastructure projects would be consolidated under the exhaustion and judicial review provisions of the Federal Power Act. 

The framework includes categorical exemptions for simple updates to existing linear infrastructure, especially in disaster-prone areas. The Forest Service’s management and wildfire mitigation activities in utility rights-of-way should be expedited.

To help meet rising demand, the framework calls for FERC to initiate interregional planning (excluding ERCOT), with Congress providing “strong guidance on the allocation of the costs of these infrastructure projects” while excluding cost allocation to customers who receive no or trivial benefits. 

On domestic supply chains, the Problem Solvers Caucus calls for DOE to “regularly assess electricity generation and transmission supply chains for security and resilience.” 

“Reforming our permitting system is crucial, and this framework meets the moment for much-needed change. The demand for affordable and reliable energy of all kinds becomes increasingly urgent,”?Evans said in a statement. “By cutting through red tape, we can meet energy demand, lower costs, strengthen national security and create high-quality jobs in America, while being responsible stewards of the environment and maintaining our position of global leadership and not cede ground to China. The urgency is real, and I am proud of this bipartisan push for change.” 

The caucus’ permitting reform framework was welcomed by Grid Action Executive Director Christina Hayes, who said it shows Democrats and Republicans can come together to find solutions that strengthen the grid, cut red tape and speed up the development of transmission infrastructure. 

“As demand for electricity soars, driven by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, new data centers, and the everyday needs of families and businesses, the urgency of bipartisan action has never been clearer,” Hayes said. “This framework recognizes that meeting those demands means modernizing our permitting system so that transmission projects can move forward quickly, reliably and affordably.”