House advances bill to simplify process for removing vegetation near energy infrastructure

The U.S. House of Representatives recently advanced a bill, the Electricity Reliability and Forest Protection Act, which would create a streamlined process for removing potentially damaging vegetation overgrowth from near electricity infrastructure on federal lands.

The bill, H.R. 178, passed by a vote of 300-118. Reps. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) introduced the bill.

Electric utilities are responsible for clearing vegetation that could potentially damage their infrastructure. Utilities must and meet certain requirements and obtain certain permits in order to conduct the clearing.

H.R. 1873 would require expedited review processes for trees that are dangerously close to power lines and encourage consistency between agencies, timely reviews, and accountability for delays.

“Our bill ensures a safe and secure electric grid for our homes and communities, curbing the potential for blackouts or forest fires,” Schrader said. “Utility companies will now have a streamlined and consistent process for being able to fulfill their mandated responsibility to keep our communities safe, removing hazardous trees and vegetation before they create costly and deadly damage. Creating this streamlined process will save everyone money, and frankly a lot of heartache. Our bill is a great example of the bipartisan work this Congress can achieve for our neighbors at home when we put common sense ahead of politics and work together.”