National Wildlife Federation

04/25/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/25/2024 11:10

Upgrading Transmission Capacity Key to Clean Energy Build Out

WASHINGTON, D.C. -The Biden Administration's plan to invest in transmission infrastructure upgrades will not only ensure a more reliable and resilient energy grid, but also will help inform future projects as we transition to a clean energy economy. The Biden Administration announced the upgrade of 100,000 miles of existing electrical grid infrastructure within five years.

"The Biden Administration's investments will ensure that essential transmission projects, now and moving forward, responsibly consider wildlife and habitat impacts," said Veronica Ung-Kono, a clean energy transmission policy specialist at the National Wildlife Federation. "We can meet our clean energy goals by investing in the current grid while continuing to expand the infrastructure needed to power our country. This commitment from the administration is a momentous step toward investing in a clean energy future."

Experts estimate that the United States must double its transmission capacity in order to meet its clean energy goals. Grid enhancing technologies are an inexpensive way to upgrade existing capacity while lowering energy costs and increasing reliability.