Sean Casten (D-IL)
Integrated Local, Regional, and Interregional Transmission Planning Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 4 Democratic cosponsors · See all 4 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill updates the Federal Power Act to improve how the United States electric grid is planned and built across local, regional, and interregional lines. It requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to create rules that push transmission planning regions to work together on long-term electricity needs. The legislation mandates joint planning and approval for transmission facilities to boost grid reliability, affordability, and resilience. It also establishes clear cost-sharing rules so that everyday people do not pay for projects that give them no identifiable benefits. Finally, the bill sets up dispute resolution processes and streamlines certain construction permits for approved projects.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +5
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
Better interregional transmission planning facilitates the integration of diverse generation sources and resource mixes.
- Scored +5
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?
The legislation mandates long-term scenarios and planning that support resource diversity and renewable energy integration.
- Scored +4
Is this likely to grow the economy?
The bill improves regional and interregional transmission planning to support grid reliability and growth.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection for Everyday Ratepayers: Under Section 224(g)(3), customers who receive no reasonably identifiable benefit from the construction or modification of a transmission facility will not be involuntarily charged for any of those costs. This ensures that everyday people are not forced to pay for energy projects that do not help them.
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Improved Grid Reliability and Lower Costs: Section 224(b)(3) and Section 224(d)(1)(A) push for more efficient or cost-effective long-term solutions and advanced technologies like grid-enhancing tools. This can lead to a more reliable power supply, less energy congestion, and better access to lower-cost generation for everyday customers.
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Better Long-Term Planning for Extreme Weather: Section 224(b)(4)(G) requires grid planners to look at 20-year scenarios that factor in the risks of extreme weather events. This proactive approach can help protect communities from major power outages during severe storms.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Potential for Broad Environmental Reviews on Specific Projects: Section 224(k)(2) notes that granting a permit for a project selected through a joint transmission plan will be considered a major Federal action under the National Environmental Policy Act. This could mean lengthy environmental reviews and potential delays for needed infrastructure in local communities.
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Federal Intervention in Local Planning Disagreements: Section 224(i) gives the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority to issue an order directing a resolution within 60 days if transmission regions cannot agree on a plan. This shifts decision-making power away from local officials and regional bodies to a federal agency in Washington.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — The legislation mandates long-term scenarios and planning that support resource diversity and renewable energy integration. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — Better interregional transmission planning facilitates the integration of diverse generation sources and resource mixes. Does this invest in rural communities? — Improved regional transmission planning extends benefits to rural and remote areas connected to the grid.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Ratepayer protections ensure customers receive no involuntary cost allocations unless they derive identifiable benefits. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Ratepayer protection provisions prevent everyday customers from paying for transmission projects that offer no benefits.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — The bill improves regional and interregional transmission planning to support grid reliability and growth. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Enhanced long-term grid planning and reliability help ensure stable power supplies for commercial and industrial users.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill grants FERC authority to order dispute resolution and establish joint planning and cost allocation rules.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — Better integration and planning of the bulk-power system can enhance overall infrastructure resilience.
- 9/24/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Kathy CastorDemocrat · Florida
Mike LevinDemocrat · California
George LatimerDemocrat · New York
James McGovernDemocrat · Massachusetts