Notice of Early Public and Governmental Engagement for Potential Designation of Tribal Energy Access, Southwestern Grid Connector, and Lake Erie-Canada National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors, 101597-101600 [2024-29419]
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 241 / Monday, December 16, 2024 / Notices
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and (d) ways to minimize the
burden of the information collection on
respondents, including through the use
of automated collection techniques or
other forms of information technology.
Obtaining a Copy of the National Mail
Voter Registration Form: To obtain a
free copy of the registration form: (1)
Download a copy at https://
www.eac.gov/voters/national-mailvoter-registration-form; or (2) write to
the EAC (including your address and
phone number) at U.S. Election
Assistance Commission, 633 3rd Street
NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20001,
Attn: National Mail Voter Registration
Form.
Title and OMB Number: National
Voter Registration Act (NVRA)
Regulations for Voter Registration
Application; OMB Number 3265–0015.
Purpose: Under the PRA (44 U.S.C.
3501–3520), Federal Agencies must
obtain approval from the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for each
collection of information they conduct
or sponsor. ‘‘Collection of information’’
is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5
CFR 1320.3(c) and includes Agency
requests or requirements that members
of the public submit reports, keep
records, or provide information to a
third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the
PRA requires Federal agencies to
provide a 60-day notice in the Federal
Register concerning each proposed
collection of information, including
each proposed extension of an existing
collection of information, before
submitting the collection to OMB for
approval. To comply with this
requirement, the EAC is publishing
notice of the proposed collection of
information set forth in this document.
Background: Persons wishing to
register to vote may use the National
Mail Voter Registration form (‘‘Federal
form’’ or ‘‘form’’) to apply for voter
registration. After completing the form,
an applicant submits her/his form to
their respective state election office for
processing. States covered by the NVRA
process the information from the form to
register an applicant to vote. Neither
EAC nor any other Federal agency
processes or collects any information
from the Federal form that a registration
applicant submits to a state. Rather,
EAC prescribes the Federal form, and
states collect and record the information
applicants submit. The Federal form is
composed of the registration
application, instructions for completing
the application (General Instructions
and Application Instructions), and statespecific instructions that identify each
state’s particular requirements. A copy
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of the current form in English and 17
additional translated languages is
available on EAC’s website, at https://
www.eac.gov/voters/national-mailvoter-registration-form.
Public Comments: Public comments
are invited on:
• Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
agency, including whether the
information shall have practical utility;
• The accuracy of the agency’s
estimate of the burden of the proposed
information collection;
• Ways to enhance the quality, utility,
and clarity of the information to be
collected; and
• Ways to minimize the burden of the
information collection on respondents,
including through the use of automated
collection techniques or other forms of
information technology.
Please note that comments submitted
in response to this Notice are public
record. Before including any detailed
personal information, you should be
aware that your submitted comments,
including your personal information,
will be available for public review.
Affected Public (Respondents): U.S.
citizens eligible to vote in jurisdictions
that accept and use the National Mail
Voter Registration form.
Number of Respondents: 2,500,000.
Responses per Respondent: 1.
Estimated Burden per Response: 0.12
hours per response.
Estimated Total Annual Burden
Hours: 291,667 hours annualized.
Frequency: Annually.
Camden Kelliher,
General Counsel, U.S. Election Assistance
Commission.
[FR Doc. 2024–29679 Filed 12–12–24; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4810–71–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Notice of Early Public and
Governmental Engagement for
Potential Designation of Tribal Energy
Access, Southwestern Grid Connector,
and Lake Erie-Canada National Interest
Electric Transmission Corridors
Grid Deployment Office,
Department of Energy.
ACTION: Notice of early public and
governmental engagement and request
for comment.
AGENCY:
The U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE) is issuing this Notice of
Early Public and Governmental
Engagement to invite input and
comment from Federal and State
SUMMARY:
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101597
agencies, regional entities, Tribal and
local governments, the public, and other
interested parties on DOE’s
consideration of three potential National
Interest Electric Transmission Corridors
(NIETCs). This notice also provides
date, time, and registration information
for informational webinars regarding the
potential NIETCs. DOE is seeking input
and comments on the possible scope of
analysis, including environmental,
cultural, or socioeconomic effects
should DOE designate any of the
potential NIETCs, and the contents of
DOE’s engagement framework,
including appropriate methods and
locations of future NIETC-specific
meetings. DOE also invites any other
relevant feedback. Following
consideration of comments and
suggestions, DOE intends to refine
geographic boundaries of the three
potential NIETCs identified in this
notice and determine its obligations
under the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) and other
environmental review requirements for
each potential NIETC designation
identified in this notice. If DOE
determines that NIETC designation is a
major federal action significantly
affecting the quality of the human
environment, DOE will subsequently
begin any necessary NEPA process. If
DOE determines that NIETC designation
is not a major federal action
significantly affecting the quality of the
human environment, then DOE expects
that NEPA would not apply.
DATES: Comments and information are
requested on or before February 14,
2025. Comments received or
postmarked after that date will be
considered to the extent practicable.
There are three informational webinars
scheduled during the comment period,
one for each potential NIETC
designation: the potential Tribal Energy
Access Corridor on January 14, 2025, at
3 p.m. eastern; the potential
Southwestern Grid Connector Corridor
on January 15, 2025, at 3 p.m. eastern;
and the potential Lake Erie-Canada
Corridor on January 16, 2025, at 3 p.m.
eastern. Information on how to register
for these webinars can be found on
DOE’s NIETC website, at https://
www.energy.gov/gdo/national-interestelectric-transmission-corridordesignation-process. These webinars
will be recorded, and the recordings
will be available at the same website
when ready.
ADDRESSES: Interested parties are
encouraged to submit comments using
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at
www.regulations.gov, under the relevant
docket number(s). Alternatively,
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interested parties may submit
comments, identified by relevant docket
number(s), by any of the following
methods:
• Email: NIETC@hq.doe.gov. Include
the relevant docket number(s) in the
subject line of the email.
• Mail: Address written comments to
U.S. Department of Energy, Grid
Deployment Office, 1000 Independence
Ave. SW, Suite 4H–065, Washington,
DC 20585.
Instructions: There are four docket
numbers associated with this Notice of
Early Public and Governmental
Engagement. DOE encourages interested
parties to submit general
recommendations and comments in
response to the topics listed in ‘‘Request
for Comments’’ (section IV) of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of
this Notice of Early Public and
Governmental Engagement under the
docket number in which this notice has
been posted. DOE encourages interested
parties to submit recommendations and
comments specific to the circumstances
of individual potential NIETCs in the
relevant dockets: DOE–HQ–2024–0088Potential Designation of the Tribal
Energy Access National Interest Electric
Transmission Corridor; DOE–HQ–2024–
0089—Potential Designation of the
Southwestern Grid Connector National
Interest Electric Transmission Corridor;
DOE–HQ–2024–0090—Potential
Designation of the Lake Erie-Canada
National Interest Electric Transmission
Corridor.
Docket: The dockets for this activity
are available for review at
www.regulations.gov. All documents in
the dockets are listed in the
www.regulations.gov index. However,
not all documents listed in the index
may be publicly available, such as
information that is exempt from public
disclosure. The docket web pages can be
found at www.regulations.gov. The
docket web pages contain instructions
on how to access all documents,
including public comments, in the
dockets.
Further information about the NIETC
program, including maps and
underlying geographic information
system (GIS) data displaying the
geographic boundaries of the three
potential NIETCs moving to Phase 3 and
identification of transmission projects
currently under development within the
potential NIETCs, as well as information
on how to attend the informational
webinars, may be found on DOE’s
website at: https://www.energy.gov/gdo/
national-interest-electric-transmissioncorridor-designation-process.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Christina Gomer, Senior Technical
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Advisor, by email at NIETC@hq.doe.gov
or by telephone at (202) 586–2006.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
The Federal Power Act (FPA) (16
U.S.C. 791a et seq.) authorizes the
Secretary of Energy to designate any
geographic area as a NIETC if the
Secretary finds, based on the DOE’s
triennial National Transmission Needs
Study (Needs Study) or other relevant
information, present or expected
transmission capacity constraints or
congestion that adversely affects
consumers. The purpose for designating
a NIETC is to facilitate timely
development of electric transmission
infrastructure to address the electric
transmission needs identified in these
areas. Designation of an area as a NIETC
enables DOE and the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC) to use
critical Federal financing and permitting
tools to spur construction of
transmission projects within the area.
NIETC designation is not a route
determination for any particular
transmission project nor is it an
endorsement of one or more
transmission solutions to identified
present or expected transmission
capacity constraints or congestion
within the NIETC.
Pursuant to section 216(a)(1) of the
FPA, DOE must conduct a study every
three years of electric transmission
capacity constraints and congestion,
which DOE refers to as the Needs Study.
On October 30, 2023, DOE released its
latest triennial Needs Study.1 The 2023
Needs Study is an assessment of
publicly available data and more than
120 recently published reports that
consider current and anticipated future
electric transmission needs given a
range of electricity demand, public
policy, and market conditions. As used
in the 2023 Needs Study, an electric
transmission need refers to the existence
of present or expected electric
transmission capacity constraints or
congestion in a geographic area,
consistent with FPA section 216(a)(1).
The Needs Study supports the
implementation of DOE programs,
including the potential designation of
NIETCs, consistent with the statutory
direction in FPA section 216(a)(2) that
DOE consider designating NIETCs based
on the study required by section
216(a)(1) or other relevant information
on transmission need.
DOE established a four-phase process,
pursuant to FPA section 216(a), as
amended by the Infrastructure
1 See https://www.energy.gov/gdo/nationaltransmission-needs-study.
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Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), 16
U.S.C. 824p(a), through which DOE may
designate NIETCs. DOE initiated Phase
1 on December 19, 2023, with the
release of DOE’s final guidance setting
forth the new four-phase NIETC
designation process.2 This guidance
included DOE’s preliminary assessment
of the transmission needs found in the
2023 Needs Study and guidance on
where DOE believed NIETC designation
may be particularly valuable based on
those findings. Phase 1 included a 45day window for interested parties to
submit information and
recommendations on the geographic
boundaries of potential NIETCs, the
present or expected transmission
capacity constraints or congestion
within those geographic boundaries
(i.e., the transmission needs adversely
affecting consumers), and the relevant
discretionary factors from the list in
FPA section 216(a)(4) that DOE may
consider in designating a NIETC. DOE
reviewed all information submissions,
recommendations, and comments and
considered the results of its 2023 Needs
Study as well as other information
relating to electric transmission capacity
constraints and congestion to develop a
preliminary list of potential NIETCs to
initiate Phase 2 of the NIETC
designation process.
DOE initiated Phase 2 on May 8, 2024,
with the release of a preliminary list of
10 potential NIETCs that DOE was
considering for NIETC designation in its
first iteration of the four-phase
designation process.3 DOE provided a
high-level explanation of the basis for
those potential NIETCs and opened
another 45-day public comment period,
focused on the 10 potential NIETCs as
well as additional information on
potential impacts on environmental,
community, and other resources of
NIETC designation.
DOE initiated Phase 3 in December
2024, when DOE announced which
potential NIETCs from the preliminary
list released in May 2024 were moving
to Phase 3. As a result of findings in the
2023 Needs Study and other relevant
information on transmission needs,
including review of substantial public
comment during Phases 1 and 2, DOE
preliminarily identified targeted, highpriority geographic areas for which:
transmission development is critical to
address transmission needs within the
area, including key findings in the 2023
Needs Study, unmet through existing
2 See https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/
2023-12/2023-12-15%20GDO%20NIETC%20Final
%20Guidance%20Document.pdf.
3 See https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/
2024-05/PreliminaryListPotentialNIETCs
PublicRelease.pdf.
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planning processes; there is clear utility
to NIETC designation to further such
transmission development in the nearer
term in light of transmission projects
under development in these areas; and
the group of potential NIETCs balances
DOE’s resources to achieve timely,
durable designations that follow from
robust public and governmental
engagement. Specifically, DOE
announced that it was moving three
potential NIETCs to Phase 3: the
potential Tribal Energy Access Corridor,
the potential Southwestern Grid
Connector Corridor, and the potential
Lake Erie-Canada Corridor. These
potential NIETCs are significantly
narrowed and refined from the 10
potential NIETCs included in the May
2024 preliminary list, and each were
renamed to better describe their location
and purpose. Each of these potential
NIETCs are described in further detail in
section II of this notice.
Phase 3 includes several concurrent
activities. DOE continues to
independently assess the basis for
NIETC designation; assess and
determine its NEPA obligations; and
conduct robust public and governmental
engagement. As part of the public and
governmental engagement, DOE will
continue to consider all issues and
topics which may be relevant to its
eventual release of draft NIETC
designation reports (one for each
potential NIETC) and draft
environmental documents, if required,
for public comment.
Based upon the information and
analyses developed in Phase 3, DOE
will proceed to Phase 4. The Director of
the Grid Deployment Office has the
authority, as delegated by Delegation
Order No. S1–DEL–S3–2024 and
Redelegation Order No. S3–DEL–GD1–
2023, to issue final NIETC designation
reports (one for each NIETC that
proceeds to final designation).
II. Description of Each Potential NIETC
DOE has announced three potential
NIETCs that have moved to Phase 3,
described in detail below: the potential
Tribal Energy Access Corridor, the
potential Southwestern Grid Connector
Corridor, and the potential Lake ErieCanada Corridor.
The potential Tribal Energy Access
Corridor includes portions of the Phase
2 Northern Plains potential NIETC and
refocuses to a refined area on central
sections in North Dakota, South Dakota,
and Nebraska with portions of central
North Dakota, South Dakota, Cheyenne
River Reservation, and Standing Rock
Reservation that were not in the Phase
2 potential NIETC map. The potential
Tribal Energy Access Corridor primarily
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follows existing transmission line
rights-of-way, and connects the
Cheyenne River Reservation, Pine Ridge
Reservation, Rosebud Indian
Reservation, Standing Rock Reservation,
and Yankton Reservation to existing or
under development higher-voltage
transmission lines, which can enable
Tribal energy and economic
development.
The potential Southwestern Grid
Connector Corridor includes portions of
the Phase 2 Mountain-Plains-Southwest
and Plains-Southwest potential NIETCs,
consisting of narrower areas of
Colorado, New Mexico, and the
Oklahoma panhandle with portions of
southeastern Colorado and New Mexico
not in the Phase 2 potential NIETC
maps. This potential NIETC focuses on
the seam between the Eastern and
Western Interconnections including
back-to-back high-voltage direct current
substations which can support
interregional and cross-interconnection
transmission opportunities.
The potential Lake Erie-Canada
Corridor includes portions of the Phase
2 Mid-Atlantic-Canada potential NIETC,
focusing on Lake Erie and a narrower
area in northern Pennsylvania, which
can support connections between
Canada and the PJM Interconnection
region.
More information on these potential
NIETCs, including maps and underlying
GIS data displaying the geographic
boundaries of the three potential
NIETCs moving to Phase 3 and
identification of transmission projects
currently under development within the
potential NIETCs, can be found on
DOE’s NIETC website at: https://
www.energy.gov/gdo/national-interestelectric-transmission-corridordesignation-process.
As previously described, DOE may
use comments and suggestions received
during this early engagement period and
other potential future engagements and
consultations to help refine the
geographic boundaries of the potential
NIETCs identified in this notice, and the
boundaries of any potential NIETC may
continue to be refined until the issuance
of a final NIETC designation report
(Phase 4). In addition, for each potential
NIETC that DOE is moving to Phase 3,
DOE will assess and determine its NEPA
obligations. DOE’s assessment will
include but is not limited to analyzing
whether any potential NIETC
designation constitutes a major federal
action significantly affecting the quality
of the human environment (and
therefore, whether NEPA applies);
whether there are any potential effects
of such a designation, and, if any, can
they be meaningfully evaluated; and, if
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101599
required, the appropriate level of NEPA
review.
III. Public Engagement Framework
To minimize the burden on
communities, DOE intends to schedule
virtual and in-person public meetings to
provide additional information and
receive comments in response to this
notice. DOE will use feedback received
during this comment period to tailor
any future public engagement for each
potential NIETC designation. Interested
parties may request meetings at any
time during Phase 3 by emailing
NIETC@hq.doe.gov. DOE may not be
able to accommodate all meeting
requests received and may organize
group meetings based on topic,
geography, or other common feature.
During Early Engagement Period
(Through February 14, 2025)
There are three informational
webinars scheduled during the
comment period, one for each potential
NIETC designation: the potential Tribal
Energy Access Corridor on January 14,
2025, at 3 p.m. eastern; the potential
Southwestern Grid Connector Corridor
on January 15, 2025, at 3 p.m. eastern;
and the potential Lake Erie-Canada
Corridor on January 16, 2025, at 3 p.m.
eastern. In addition to these webinars,
interested parties may request virtual
informational meetings with DOE by
contacting NIETC@hq.doe.gov.
After Early Engagement Period
While DOE reviews and considers
comments received in response to this
Notice of Early Public and
Governmental Engagement and assesses
its NEPA obligations, DOE welcomes
requests for meetings to discuss the
potential NIETCs. Meeting requests can
be made by emailing NIETC@
hq.doe.gov. Note that DOE intends to
initiate NEPA, if required, for each
potential NIETC on its own timeline and
the designation process will proceed on
a NIETC-by-NIETC basis.
Upon any determination by DOE to
initiate NEPA, if required and at the
appropriate level, the dates and
locations of any potential NIETCspecific public and governmental
engagements will be announced via
subsequent announcements, Federal
Register notices, local media, and/or
other appropriate methods. Commonly
used methods of public and
governmental engagements include:
• Public meetings (may be virtual or
in person),
• Meetings upon request, and
• Periodic meetings (either virtual or
in-person) to provide updates and
discuss concerns, where relevant.
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Additional Opportunities for
Engagement
Tribal Engagement
Any government-to-government
consultations with affected federally
recognized Indian Tribes will be
conducted in a manner appropriate to
such consultations, respectful of Tribal
sovereignty and consistent with the
ongoing trust responsibility between the
United States and Tribes.
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Regional Entity Engagement
Pursuant to FPA section 216(a)(3),
DOE will consult with regional entities
during Phase 3.
IV. Request for Comments
DOE specifically requests
recommendations and comments on the
contents of the public engagement
framework, including topics such as: the
number, location, and format of public
meetings; preferred day of week or time
of day for such engagements; and
identifying existing forums for engaging
with interested or potentially affected
stakeholders.
DOE additionally requests
recommendations and comments on
methods of outreach, including topics
such as: names of any specific entities,
such as community-based organizations,
that should be included in or contacted
directly as part of public engagement;
and appropriate local news outlets,
newspapers, and other news and media
outlets for reaching interested or
potentially affected stakeholders.
DOE additionally seeks suggestions
on how to organize group meetings if all
individual meeting requests cannot be
accommodated, including topics around
which meetings should be organized.
DOE invites suggestions on
environmental, cultural, or
socioeconomic considerations or
potential effects that DOE should
consider during its review and analysis
of its potential NIETC designations,
including comments on whether any
potential effects can be meaningfully
evaluated. DOE additionally seeks input
on whether each potential NIETC
maximizes existing rights-of-way and
avoids and minimizes, to the maximum
extent practicable, and offsets to the
extent appropriate and practicable,
sensitive environmental areas and
cultural heritage sites (FPA section
216(a)(4)(G)). Commenters are
encouraged to submit only non-sensitive
information necessary to sufficiently
inform potential NIETC designations
and avoid submitting any potentially
sensitive data. If DOE determines that
additional information is needed to
support NIETC designation, DOE will
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contact the commenter directly to
request that data.
For all of the previous topics, DOE
encourages general recommendations
and comments, which interested parties
should submit under the docket number
in which this notice has been posted, as
well as recommendations and
comments specific to the circumstances
of individual potential NIETCs, which
interested parties should submit under
the relevant docket number: DOE–HQ–
2024–0088-Potential Designation of the
Tribal Energy Access National Interest
Electric Transmission Corridor; DOE–
HQ–2024–0089-Potential Designation of
the Southwestern Grid Connector
National Interest Electric Transmission
Corridor; DOE–HQ–2024–0090-Potential
Designation of the Lake Erie-Canada
National Interest Electric Transmission
Corridor.
Signing Authority
This document of the Department of
Energy was signed on December 9, 2024,
by Maria D. Robinson, Director, Grid
Deployment Office, pursuant to
delegated authority from the Secretary
of Energy. That document with the
original signature and date is
maintained by the DOE. For
administrative purposes only, and in
compliance with requirements of the
Office of the Federal Register, the
undersigned DOE Federal Register
Liaison Officer has been authorized to
sign and submit the document in
electronic format for publication, as an
official document of the Department of
Energy. This administrative process in
no way alters the legal effect of this
document upon publication in the
Federal Register.
Signed in Washington, DC, on December
10, 2024.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S.
Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2024–29419 Filed 12–13–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
[Docket No. EL25–31–000]
CPV Shore, LLC; Notice of Institution
of Section 206 Proceeding and Refund
Effective Date
On December 10, 2024, the
Commission issued an order in Docket
No. EL25–31–000, pursuant to section
206 of the Federal Power Act (FPA), 16
U.S.C. 824e, instituting an investigation
to determine whether CPV Shore, LLC’s
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Rate Schedule is unjust, unreasonable,
unduly discriminatory or preferential,
or otherwise unlawful. CPV Shore, LLC,
189 FERC ¶ 61,186 (2024).
The refund effective date in Docket
No. EL25–31–000, established pursuant
to section 206(b) of the FPA, will be the
date of publication of this notice in the
Federal Register.
Any interested person desiring to be
heard in Docket No. EL25–31–000 must
file a notice of intervention or motion to
intervene, as appropriate, with the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,
in accordance with Rule 214 of the
Commission’s Rules of Practice and
Procedure, 18 CFR 385.214 (2024),
within 21 days of the date of issuance
of the order.
In addition to publishing the full text
of this document in the Federal
Register, the Commission provides all
interested persons an opportunity to
view and/or print the contents of this
document via the internet through the
Commission’s Home Page (https://
www.ferc.gov) using the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link.
Enter the docket number excluding the
last three digits in the docket number
field to access the document. From
FERC’s Home Page on the internet, this
information is available on eLibrary.
The full text of this document is
available on eLibrary in PDF and
Microsoft Word format for viewing,
printing, and/or downloading. To access
this document in eLibrary, type the
docket number excluding the last three
digits of this document in the docket
number field. User assistance is
available for eLibrary and the FERC’s
website during normal business hours
from FERC Online Support at (202) 502–
6652 (toll free at 1–866–208–3676) or
email at ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov, or
the Public Reference Room at (202) 502–
8371, TTY (202) 502–8659. Email the
Public Reference Room at
public.referenceroom@ferc.gov.
The Commission strongly encourages
electronic filings of comments, protests
and interventions in lieu of paper using
the ‘‘eFile’’ link at https://www.ferc.gov.
In lieu of electronic filing, you may
submit a paper copy. Submissions sent
via the U.S. Postal Service must be
addressed to: Debbie-Anne A. Reese,
Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, 888 First Street NE, Room
1A, Washington, DC 20426.
Submissions sent via any other carrier
must be addressed to: Debbie-Anne A.
Reese, Secretary, Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission, 12225 Wilkins
Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20852.
The Commission’s Office of Public
Participation (OPP) supports meaningful
public engagement and participation in
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16DEN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 241 (Monday, December 16, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 101597-101600]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-29419]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Notice of Early Public and Governmental Engagement for Potential
Designation of Tribal Energy Access, Southwestern Grid Connector, and
Lake Erie-Canada National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors
AGENCY: Grid Deployment Office, Department of Energy.
ACTION: Notice of early public and governmental engagement and request
for comment.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is issuing this Notice of
Early Public and Governmental Engagement to invite input and comment
from Federal and State agencies, regional entities, Tribal and local
governments, the public, and other interested parties on DOE's
consideration of three potential National Interest Electric
Transmission Corridors (NIETCs). This notice also provides date, time,
and registration information for informational webinars regarding the
potential NIETCs. DOE is seeking input and comments on the possible
scope of analysis, including environmental, cultural, or socioeconomic
effects should DOE designate any of the potential NIETCs, and the
contents of DOE's engagement framework, including appropriate methods
and locations of future NIETC-specific meetings. DOE also invites any
other relevant feedback. Following consideration of comments and
suggestions, DOE intends to refine geographic boundaries of the three
potential NIETCs identified in this notice and determine its
obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and
other environmental review requirements for each potential NIETC
designation identified in this notice. If DOE determines that NIETC
designation is a major federal action significantly affecting the
quality of the human environment, DOE will subsequently begin any
necessary NEPA process. If DOE determines that NIETC designation is not
a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human
environment, then DOE expects that NEPA would not apply.
DATES: Comments and information are requested on or before February 14,
2025. Comments received or postmarked after that date will be
considered to the extent practicable. There are three informational
webinars scheduled during the comment period, one for each potential
NIETC designation: the potential Tribal Energy Access Corridor on
January 14, 2025, at 3 p.m. eastern; the potential Southwestern Grid
Connector Corridor on January 15, 2025, at 3 p.m. eastern; and the
potential Lake Erie-Canada Corridor on January 16, 2025, at 3 p.m.
eastern. Information on how to register for these webinars can be found
on DOE's NIETC website, at https://www.energy.gov/gdo/national-interest-electric-transmission-corridor-designation-process. These
webinars will be recorded, and the recordings will be available at the
same website when ready.
ADDRESSES: Interested parties are encouraged to submit comments using
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov, under the
relevant docket number(s). Alternatively,
[[Page 101598]]
interested parties may submit comments, identified by relevant docket
number(s), by any of the following methods:
Email: [email protected]. Include the relevant docket
number(s) in the subject line of the email.
Mail: Address written comments to U.S. Department of
Energy, Grid Deployment Office, 1000 Independence Ave. SW, Suite 4H-
065, Washington, DC 20585.
Instructions: There are four docket numbers associated with this
Notice of Early Public and Governmental Engagement. DOE encourages
interested parties to submit general recommendations and comments in
response to the topics listed in ``Request for Comments'' (section IV)
of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this Notice of Early Public
and Governmental Engagement under the docket number in which this
notice has been posted. DOE encourages interested parties to submit
recommendations and comments specific to the circumstances of
individual potential NIETCs in the relevant dockets: DOE-HQ-2024-0088-
Potential Designation of the Tribal Energy Access National Interest
Electric Transmission Corridor; DOE-HQ-2024-0089--Potential Designation
of the Southwestern Grid Connector National Interest Electric
Transmission Corridor; DOE-HQ-2024-0090--Potential Designation of the
Lake Erie-Canada National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor.
Docket: The dockets for this activity are available for review at
www.regulations.gov. All documents in the dockets are listed in the
www.regulations.gov index. However, not all documents listed in the
index may be publicly available, such as information that is exempt
from public disclosure. The docket web pages can be found at
www.regulations.gov. The docket web pages contain instructions on how
to access all documents, including public comments, in the dockets.
Further information about the NIETC program, including maps and
underlying geographic information system (GIS) data displaying the
geographic boundaries of the three potential NIETCs moving to Phase 3
and identification of transmission projects currently under development
within the potential NIETCs, as well as information on how to attend
the informational webinars, may be found on DOE's website at: https://www.energy.gov/gdo/national-interest-electric-transmission-corridor-designation-process.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christina Gomer, Senior Technical
Advisor, by email at [email protected] or by telephone at (202) 586-
2006.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
The Federal Power Act (FPA) (16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.) authorizes the
Secretary of Energy to designate any geographic area as a NIETC if the
Secretary finds, based on the DOE's triennial National Transmission
Needs Study (Needs Study) or other relevant information, present or
expected transmission capacity constraints or congestion that adversely
affects consumers. The purpose for designating a NIETC is to facilitate
timely development of electric transmission infrastructure to address
the electric transmission needs identified in these areas. Designation
of an area as a NIETC enables DOE and the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC) to use critical Federal financing and permitting
tools to spur construction of transmission projects within the area.
NIETC designation is not a route determination for any particular
transmission project nor is it an endorsement of one or more
transmission solutions to identified present or expected transmission
capacity constraints or congestion within the NIETC.
Pursuant to section 216(a)(1) of the FPA, DOE must conduct a study
every three years of electric transmission capacity constraints and
congestion, which DOE refers to as the Needs Study. On October 30,
2023, DOE released its latest triennial Needs Study.\1\ The 2023 Needs
Study is an assessment of publicly available data and more than 120
recently published reports that consider current and anticipated future
electric transmission needs given a range of electricity demand, public
policy, and market conditions. As used in the 2023 Needs Study, an
electric transmission need refers to the existence of present or
expected electric transmission capacity constraints or congestion in a
geographic area, consistent with FPA section 216(a)(1). The Needs Study
supports the implementation of DOE programs, including the potential
designation of NIETCs, consistent with the statutory direction in FPA
section 216(a)(2) that DOE consider designating NIETCs based on the
study required by section 216(a)(1) or other relevant information on
transmission need.
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\1\ See https://www.energy.gov/gdo/national-transmission-needs-study.
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DOE established a four-phase process, pursuant to FPA section
216(a), as amended by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
(IIJA), 16 U.S.C. 824p(a), through which DOE may designate NIETCs. DOE
initiated Phase 1 on December 19, 2023, with the release of DOE's final
guidance setting forth the new four-phase NIETC designation process.\2\
This guidance included DOE's preliminary assessment of the transmission
needs found in the 2023 Needs Study and guidance on where DOE believed
NIETC designation may be particularly valuable based on those findings.
Phase 1 included a 45-day window for interested parties to submit
information and recommendations on the geographic boundaries of
potential NIETCs, the present or expected transmission capacity
constraints or congestion within those geographic boundaries (i.e., the
transmission needs adversely affecting consumers), and the relevant
discretionary factors from the list in FPA section 216(a)(4) that DOE
may consider in designating a NIETC. DOE reviewed all information
submissions, recommendations, and comments and considered the results
of its 2023 Needs Study as well as other information relating to
electric transmission capacity constraints and congestion to develop a
preliminary list of potential NIETCs to initiate Phase 2 of the NIETC
designation process.
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\2\ See https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-12/2023-12-15%20GDO%20NIETC%20Final%20Guidance%20Document.pdf.
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DOE initiated Phase 2 on May 8, 2024, with the release of a
preliminary list of 10 potential NIETCs that DOE was considering for
NIETC designation in its first iteration of the four-phase designation
process.\3\ DOE provided a high-level explanation of the basis for
those potential NIETCs and opened another 45-day public comment period,
focused on the 10 potential NIETCs as well as additional information on
potential impacts on environmental, community, and other resources of
NIETC designation.
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\3\ See https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/PreliminaryListPotentialNIETCsPublicRelease.pdf.
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DOE initiated Phase 3 in December 2024, when DOE announced which
potential NIETCs from the preliminary list released in May 2024 were
moving to Phase 3. As a result of findings in the 2023 Needs Study and
other relevant information on transmission needs, including review of
substantial public comment during Phases 1 and 2, DOE preliminarily
identified targeted, high-priority geographic areas for which:
transmission development is critical to address transmission needs
within the area, including key findings in the 2023 Needs Study, unmet
through existing
[[Page 101599]]
planning processes; there is clear utility to NIETC designation to
further such transmission development in the nearer term in light of
transmission projects under development in these areas; and the group
of potential NIETCs balances DOE's resources to achieve timely, durable
designations that follow from robust public and governmental
engagement. Specifically, DOE announced that it was moving three
potential NIETCs to Phase 3: the potential Tribal Energy Access
Corridor, the potential Southwestern Grid Connector Corridor, and the
potential Lake Erie-Canada Corridor. These potential NIETCs are
significantly narrowed and refined from the 10 potential NIETCs
included in the May 2024 preliminary list, and each were renamed to
better describe their location and purpose. Each of these potential
NIETCs are described in further detail in section II of this notice.
Phase 3 includes several concurrent activities. DOE continues to
independently assess the basis for NIETC designation; assess and
determine its NEPA obligations; and conduct robust public and
governmental engagement. As part of the public and governmental
engagement, DOE will continue to consider all issues and topics which
may be relevant to its eventual release of draft NIETC designation
reports (one for each potential NIETC) and draft environmental
documents, if required, for public comment.
Based upon the information and analyses developed in Phase 3, DOE
will proceed to Phase 4. The Director of the Grid Deployment Office has
the authority, as delegated by Delegation Order No. S1-DEL-S3-2024 and
Redelegation Order No. S3-DEL-GD1-2023, to issue final NIETC
designation reports (one for each NIETC that proceeds to final
designation).
II. Description of Each Potential NIETC
DOE has announced three potential NIETCs that have moved to Phase
3, described in detail below: the potential Tribal Energy Access
Corridor, the potential Southwestern Grid Connector Corridor, and the
potential Lake Erie-Canada Corridor.
The potential Tribal Energy Access Corridor includes portions of
the Phase 2 Northern Plains potential NIETC and refocuses to a refined
area on central sections in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska
with portions of central North Dakota, South Dakota, Cheyenne River
Reservation, and Standing Rock Reservation that were not in the Phase 2
potential NIETC map. The potential Tribal Energy Access Corridor
primarily follows existing transmission line rights-of-way, and
connects the Cheyenne River Reservation, Pine Ridge Reservation,
Rosebud Indian Reservation, Standing Rock Reservation, and Yankton
Reservation to existing or under development higher-voltage
transmission lines, which can enable Tribal energy and economic
development.
The potential Southwestern Grid Connector Corridor includes
portions of the Phase 2 Mountain-Plains-Southwest and Plains-Southwest
potential NIETCs, consisting of narrower areas of Colorado, New Mexico,
and the Oklahoma panhandle with portions of southeastern Colorado and
New Mexico not in the Phase 2 potential NIETC maps. This potential
NIETC focuses on the seam between the Eastern and Western
Interconnections including back-to-back high-voltage direct current
substations which can support interregional and cross-interconnection
transmission opportunities.
The potential Lake Erie-Canada Corridor includes portions of the
Phase 2 Mid-Atlantic-Canada potential NIETC, focusing on Lake Erie and
a narrower area in northern Pennsylvania, which can support connections
between Canada and the PJM Interconnection region.
More information on these potential NIETCs, including maps and
underlying GIS data displaying the geographic boundaries of the three
potential NIETCs moving to Phase 3 and identification of transmission
projects currently under development within the potential NIETCs, can
be found on DOE's NIETC website at: https://www.energy.gov/gdo/national-interest-electric-transmission-corridor-designation-process.
As previously described, DOE may use comments and suggestions
received during this early engagement period and other potential future
engagements and consultations to help refine the geographic boundaries
of the potential NIETCs identified in this notice, and the boundaries
of any potential NIETC may continue to be refined until the issuance of
a final NIETC designation report (Phase 4). In addition, for each
potential NIETC that DOE is moving to Phase 3, DOE will assess and
determine its NEPA obligations. DOE's assessment will include but is
not limited to analyzing whether any potential NIETC designation
constitutes a major federal action significantly affecting the quality
of the human environment (and therefore, whether NEPA applies); whether
there are any potential effects of such a designation, and, if any, can
they be meaningfully evaluated; and, if required, the appropriate level
of NEPA review.
III. Public Engagement Framework
To minimize the burden on communities, DOE intends to schedule
virtual and in-person public meetings to provide additional information
and receive comments in response to this notice. DOE will use feedback
received during this comment period to tailor any future public
engagement for each potential NIETC designation. Interested parties may
request meetings at any time during Phase 3 by emailing
[email protected]. DOE may not be able to accommodate all meeting
requests received and may organize group meetings based on topic,
geography, or other common feature.
During Early Engagement Period (Through February 14, 2025)
There are three informational webinars scheduled during the comment
period, one for each potential NIETC designation: the potential Tribal
Energy Access Corridor on January 14, 2025, at 3 p.m. eastern; the
potential Southwestern Grid Connector Corridor on January 15, 2025, at
3 p.m. eastern; and the potential Lake Erie-Canada Corridor on January
16, 2025, at 3 p.m. eastern. In addition to these webinars, interested
parties may request virtual informational meetings with DOE by
contacting [email protected].
After Early Engagement Period
While DOE reviews and considers comments received in response to
this Notice of Early Public and Governmental Engagement and assesses
its NEPA obligations, DOE welcomes requests for meetings to discuss the
potential NIETCs. Meeting requests can be made by emailing
[email protected]. Note that DOE intends to initiate NEPA, if required,
for each potential NIETC on its own timeline and the designation
process will proceed on a NIETC-by-NIETC basis.
Upon any determination by DOE to initiate NEPA, if required and at
the appropriate level, the dates and locations of any potential NIETC-
specific public and governmental engagements will be announced via
subsequent announcements, Federal Register notices, local media, and/or
other appropriate methods. Commonly used methods of public and
governmental engagements include:
Public meetings (may be virtual or in person),
Meetings upon request, and
Periodic meetings (either virtual or in-person) to provide
updates and discuss concerns, where relevant.
[[Page 101600]]
Additional Opportunities for Engagement
Tribal Engagement
Any government-to-government consultations with affected federally
recognized Indian Tribes will be conducted in a manner appropriate to
such consultations, respectful of Tribal sovereignty and consistent
with the ongoing trust responsibility between the United States and
Tribes.
Regional Entity Engagement
Pursuant to FPA section 216(a)(3), DOE will consult with regional
entities during Phase 3.
IV. Request for Comments
DOE specifically requests recommendations and comments on the
contents of the public engagement framework, including topics such as:
the number, location, and format of public meetings; preferred day of
week or time of day for such engagements; and identifying existing
forums for engaging with interested or potentially affected
stakeholders.
DOE additionally requests recommendations and comments on methods
of outreach, including topics such as: names of any specific entities,
such as community-based organizations, that should be included in or
contacted directly as part of public engagement; and appropriate local
news outlets, newspapers, and other news and media outlets for reaching
interested or potentially affected stakeholders.
DOE additionally seeks suggestions on how to organize group
meetings if all individual meeting requests cannot be accommodated,
including topics around which meetings should be organized.
DOE invites suggestions on environmental, cultural, or
socioeconomic considerations or potential effects that DOE should
consider during its review and analysis of its potential NIETC
designations, including comments on whether any potential effects can
be meaningfully evaluated. DOE additionally seeks input on whether each
potential NIETC maximizes existing rights-of-way and avoids and
minimizes, to the maximum extent practicable, and offsets to the extent
appropriate and practicable, sensitive environmental areas and cultural
heritage sites (FPA section 216(a)(4)(G)). Commenters are encouraged to
submit only non-sensitive information necessary to sufficiently inform
potential NIETC designations and avoid submitting any potentially
sensitive data. If DOE determines that additional information is needed
to support NIETC designation, DOE will contact the commenter directly
to request that data.
For all of the previous topics, DOE encourages general
recommendations and comments, which interested parties should submit
under the docket number in which this notice has been posted, as well
as recommendations and comments specific to the circumstances of
individual potential NIETCs, which interested parties should submit
under the relevant docket number: DOE-HQ-2024-0088-Potential
Designation of the Tribal Energy Access National Interest Electric
Transmission Corridor; DOE-HQ-2024-0089-Potential Designation of the
Southwestern Grid Connector National Interest Electric Transmission
Corridor; DOE-HQ-2024-0090-Potential Designation of the Lake Erie-
Canada National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor.
Signing Authority
This document of the Department of Energy was signed on December 9,
2024, by Maria D. Robinson, Director, Grid Deployment Office, pursuant
to delegated authority from the Secretary of Energy. That document with
the original signature and date is maintained by the DOE. For
administrative purposes only, and in compliance with requirements of
the Office of the Federal Register, the undersigned DOE Federal
Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to sign and submit the
document in electronic format for publication, as an official document
of the Department of Energy. This administrative process in no way
alters the legal effect of this document upon publication in the
Federal Register.
Signed in Washington, DC, on December 10, 2024.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2024-29419 Filed 12-13-24; 8:45 am]
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