Does the federal government have the right to force states to build transmission lines?
No. Under EPAct ’05, the federal government in the form of FERC has the authority to approve transmission line projects if states are unable to do so and FERC determines that those lines are vital to electric reliability in the region. But the provision that gives FERC such authority is intended as a “last resort” in the event that transmission congestion is not being addressed in a timely manner by the states involved.
Related Questions
- If we had just federal and local governments, then the federal government would be in charge of both the Defence Force and the Police Force. Is that a dangerous idea?
- Does the federal government require transmission owners or electric utilities to address issues related to vegetation management and electric facilities?
- Does the federal government have the right to force states to build transmission lines?
