Why doesn the PEIS include an alternative of simply designating existing energy corridors and rights-of-way as corridors under Section 368?
This option was considered but eliminated for a number of reasons. Many of the existing energy corridors and utility rights-of-way (ROWs) are sized for relatively small transport systems (both in terms of capacity and distance) and could neither support added systems nor be expanded to accommodate additional energy transport facilities. These limitations make them too fragmentary or localized to serve the need for long-distance energy transport across the West. This option would not address electricity transmission congestion, reliability, or delivery-enhancement issues. Nevertheless, where existing corridors and ROWs could be expanded or upgraded, they have been incorporated into the Proposed Action. In fact, about 70 percent of the proposed corridors incorporate existing locally designated energy corridors and/or utility ROWs.
