SPEED and Reliability Act of 2025

Key Points

• The bill streamlines federal permitting for large interstate electric transmission lines by giving FERC authority to issue construction permits when projects are deemed in the national interest. Projects must be at least 100 kilovolts and must reduce congestion, improve reliability, and benefit consumers.
• Costs for new or upgraded transmission lines are allocated only to customers who actually benefit from the project. Ratepayers who receive no meaningful benefit cannot be forced to pay.
• The bill requires FERC to consult with affected states, tribes, federal agencies, and private landowners before approving projects. Farmers, ranchers, and other landowners in the path of proposed transmission lines get specific notice and a chance to share their concerns.
• The bill encourages using existing infrastructure wherever possible, requiring that modifications like reconductoring maximize the capacity of existing towers, structures, or rights-of-way before building on new land.
• FERC becomes the lead agency coordinating all federal permits for these transmission projects, replacing the previous system where the Department of Energy led the process. This is designed to reduce delays from overlapping agency reviews.
• The ERCOT region (most of Texas) is explicitly excluded from this bill, meaning it would not be subject to the new federal permitting process or FERC jurisdiction under these provisions.