Summary

Transfers key authority over siting and approval of major electric transmission projects in National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETCs) from the Secretary of Energy to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and replaces the current permit-based approval process with a self-certification system. FERC must write implementing regulations within 365 days, may audit certifications annually, and must send annual reports to Congress about how the new process is working. The bill also makes technical edits to the law to reflect the transfer of duties from the Department of Energy to FERC and adjusts the statutory language to refer to authorized persons rather than “permit holders.”

• Shifts NIETC authority from the Energy Secretary to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
• Replaces permits with a self-certification process allowing construction to begin upon filing the required certification.
• FERC must issue implementing regulations within 365 days of enactment.
• Certifications must include identity, organizational and operational details, project description, schedule, and supporting index.
• FERC must perform annual audits of certifications and send yearly reports to Congress about the program's performance.
• Statutory text is updated throughout to reflect FERC's new role and to change references from "permit holders" to authorized persons.
• No explicit new appropriations or tax changes are created by the text provided.
• The change aims to speed transmission project starts but reduces the prior permit review step.