SITE Act

The SITE Act streamlines the approval process for large interstate electric transmission projects that cross state lines and exceed 1,000 megawatts in capacity. It establishes a new Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) certification process requiring consultation with states, tribes, and affected landowners, along with a 90-day public comment period for environmental documents. The bill creates specific rules for acquiring land through eminent domain, including requirements for fair compensation based on appraisals, and gives landowners protections like the ability to demand property return if projects aren't completed on time. FERC gains exclusive jurisdiction over these projects, with limited exceptions for certain environmental laws. The law aims to balance the need for new transmission infrastructure with protections for affected landowners.