Ensuring community involvement and environmental protection in western state transmission siting policy

Abstract

This research examined transmission siting authorities in 12 Western states to explore how existing law incorporates community consultation and evaluation of environmental impacts. The team at the Center for the New Energy Economy (CNEE) developed several recommendations that states might consider when amending existing policy to better avoid significant impacts to communities and the environment. We believe that effective policy design might also better avoid siting conflicts (including litigation), which can delay project completion and contribute to cost overrun. Our policy recommendations are grouped into three broad categories: Engage communities; Prioritize avoiding environmental impacts; and Require data sharing and inter-agency coordination.