State regulation: Interstate compacts a policy option to enhance transmission line siting

Abstract

Siting electric transmission lines across state borders has long been a challenge for the states, the federal government, and utility transmission companies. Too often, the diverse interests of various stakeholders, combined with the absence of a mechanism capable of bringing different entities together, makes siting interstate electric transmission lines a difficult proposition. The multiyear application review process and separate evaluations by multiple jurisdictions constitutes a growing burden for transmission companies and frustrates state and federal policymakers seeking to move renewable energy and lower-cost electricity to markets.