Friday, May 7, 2021
On April 27, the Biden administration announced new proposed infrastructure initiatives that may enable developers to finally break ground on their “shovel-ready” transmission line projects, including over
new guidance on how federal and state agencies can work together to approve developers looking to use the land running alongside highways, known as the federal highway right-of-way (ROW), for construction of power transmission, clean-energy, and connectivity projects.
In the past, burdensome permitting processes often stalled plans to place high-voltage transmission line construction projects in the ROW, which left developers with no choice but to negotiate easements across private property, often leading to opposition, increased costs, and further delays. By providing funding and guidance, the administration seeks to address these issues and jumpstart new construction of transmission line, clean-energy, and broadband internet projects along