On August 10, 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) proposed a rule to establish the Coordinate Interagency Transmission Authorization and Permits (CITAP) Program to streamline the federal permitting process for major onshore transmission lines.[1] The proposal is in response to the 2023 debt ceiling deal and would set deadlines for federal authorizations and permits for electric transmission on a two-year timeline. Currently, the process of building transmission projects can take more than a decade. While many factors contribute to the lengthy process of building transmission projects, the CITAP program aims to ensure that the federal permitting processes are efficient and robust to enable transmission to be brought online more quickly. The DOE's plan would not override local and state permits that developers need to build transmission lines.

The proposed rule would require developers to complete Integrated Interagency Preapplication (IIP) Process for their projects to participate in the CITAP Program. Applicants would need to submit plans for engaging with stakeholders throughout the life of the project. The DOE's proposal also states that developers could appeal to the president if the department fails to act on a project application within two years or denies it. The Grid Deployment Office (GDO), which will administer the CITAP Program, is now seeking public comment and feedback on the proposed program and a public webinar will be held on August 23, 2023.

[1] https://www.energy.gov/gdo/articles/biden-harris-administration-proposes-rulemaking-streamline-and-set-deadlines-federal