Earthjustice Statement on the Clean Electricity and Transmission Act

Today, U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (D-IL) and Mike Levin (D-CA) introduced the Clean Electricity and Transmission Act. The bill aims to accelerate permitting processes for clean energy transmission projects to help connect more renewable energy to the grid and combat climate change. While previous permitting proposals have sought to gut community engagement in the name of expediency, this bill would instead mandate meaningful consultation with environmental justice and tribal communities and help ensure their concerns are addressed in a timely way.

After the bill’s introduction, Earthjustice Senior Legislative Counsel Stephen Schima issued the following statement:

“Climate change requires urgent action, but it should not come at a cost of harming the communities already facing its disproportionate impacts. The Clean Electricity and Transmission Act is the first step we need for a clean energy transition that balances urgency with a just and fair process for engaging stakeholders and communities in energy development. We thank Reps. Casten and Levin for this legislation and will work alongside them to ensure this legislation sets the stage for a clean energy transition grounded in equity and justice.”

In June 2023, Earthjustice joined several environmental and environmental justice organizations in releasing a set of transmission principles to address transmission bottlenecks and rapidly build out clean energy infrastructure while maintaining strong environmental protections.