The Department of Energy is proposing to facilitate environmental reviews for certain energy storage, solar, and transmission projects rebuilt or upgraded on federal land.
These types of projects, given their limited effect on the environment, would be eligible for “categorical exclusions” under the proposal published Thursday in the Federal Register.
According to the notice, DOE proposed a new categorical exclusion for certain energy storage projects and the revision of others for transmission lines and solar projects.
Under the proposal, eligible projects would not require an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.
Battery and flywheel energy storage systems would be eligible for the streamlined review process if they are built on or adjacent to already disturbed land.
In addition, DOE proposed to eliminate a 20-mile limit on the length of existing power lines that are eligible for the simpler form of environmental review. The proposal would also give developers the option to relocate a line within land already zoned or developed for their power line and would require line upgrades or reconstructions to incorporate best practices to protect the local environment, said the department
Regarding solar energy, DOE proposed to change the current categorical exemption by removing a 10-acre limit for solar projects on already developed land.
Direct benefits of the proposal include reduced costs and time for environmental analysis by DOE, project proponents and the public, the department said. Indirect benefits include improved grid reliability and resilience, as well as increased carbon-free generation.
Comments on the proposal are due Jan. 2.
