The RAPID Toolkit, an online portal with information about regulatory processes and requirements for transmission projects, now covers the entire U.S.
February 12, 2019
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The Office of Electricity (OE) works closely with private industry and Federal, state, local, and tribal governments on a variety of initiatives to ensure the nation’s critical energy infrastructure is secure and able to recover rapidly from disruptions. As the nation’s needs and the energy system continue to evolve, spurring transmission development is vital to ensuring the reliable, resilient, and secure delivery of electricity to America’s communities, businesses, and critical infrastructures.
I am pleased to announce that an online tool which has been helping states and the energy industry modernize the nation’s electric grid by easing access to critical information needed in planning new transmission infrastructure projects is now available nationwide. The Regulatory and Permitting Information Desktop (RAPID) Toolkit, which gives agencies, developers, and industry stakeholders an easy-to-use source of online information about federal and state regulatory processes and requirements for bulk transmission projects, now covers all 50 states. Expanding this valuable tool to include the entire country is an important step in helping states and industry continue moving forward with building stronger, more resilient energy critical infrastructure.
Infrastructure projects typically take many years and involve numerous regulations and permits. The RAPID Toolkit provides permitting guidance, regulations, and other important information in a fast, easy-to-use format. Developed and maintained by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) with support from OE, the RAPID Toolkit includes a Regulations and Permitting Database and a collection of best practices.
Building on the Administration’s commitment to strong national critical infrastructure, this expansion is the latest example of OE’s commitment to ensuring a secure, reliable, and resilient flow of electricity needed for the essential services that Americans rely on every day.