Department of Energy July 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), BPA intends to prepare an EIS on its proposed rebuild of approximately 120 miles of existing 230-kiliovolt (kV) wood-pole transmission line that runs through Sanders, Lake, Missoula, Granite, Powell, and Deer Lodge counties, Montana. The deteriorated condition of the more than 60-year-old line compromises BPA's ability to maintain reliable electric service, and poses a safety risk to the public and maintenance crews. With this notice, BPA is initiating the public scoping process for the EIS and is requesting comments about the potential environmental impacts it should consider as it prepares the EIS for the proposed project. In accordance with DOE regulations for compliance with floodplain and wetland environmental review requirements, BPA will prepare a floodplain and wetlands assessment that identifies, evaluates, and as appropriate, implements actions to avoid or minimize potential harm to or within any affected floodplains and wetlands. The assessment will be included in the EIS.

Champlain VT, LLC, doing business as TDI-New England (TDI-NE), has applied for a Presidential permit to construct, operate, maintain, and connect an electric transmission line across the United States border with Canada.

In compliance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3507(a)(1)(D), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or FERC) is submitting its information collections FERC-520 (Application for Authority to Hold Interlocking Directorate Positions), FERC-561 (Annual Report of Interlocking Positions), and FERC-566 (Annual Report of a Utility's 20 Largest Purchasers) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review of the information collection requirements. Any interested person may file comments directly with OMB and should address a copy of those comments to the Commission as explained below. The Commission previously issued a Notice in the Federal Register (79 FR 12191, 3/4/2014) requesting public comments. The Commission received four comments on the FERC-520, FERC-561, and FERC-566 information collections. The Commission addresses these comments in this notice and in its submittal to OMB.