H.R. 10302, Transmission Permitting Streamlining / Judicial Review Restriction. Quorum's AI analysis reads it as a net cost — and names who bears it.
H.R. 10302 · Net cost
What it does
This bill amends the Federal Power Act to streamline the permitting process for electric transmission facilities. It expands the definition of what the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) can authorize to include both siting AND construction; requires all federal agencies involved to publish their decisions in the Federal Register; directs the Secretary to consolidate all permit records into a single joint decision document; and crucially, channels all rehearing and judicial review of transmission permits through FERC's section 313 process, making FERC the lead agency and the sole gateway for legal challenges.
The analysis names transmission developers and utilities — and 2 more groups — among the beneficiaries.
The cost
Section 313 of the FPA provides for rehearing before FERC and judicial review in the U.S. Court of Appeals, but with a narrower scope than APA review or ESA consultation requirements. By channeling all challenges through §313 alone, the bill eliminates independent judicial review under the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and other statutes that would otherwise apply to m
The analysis put a high warning level on this bill. Transparency scores 65%, and the analysis found no provisions unrelated to the bill's subject.
Who is behind it
Filed by Scott Peters. Cosponsored by Gabe Evans.
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