9 / 76
A
coalition
representing
US
manufacturing, construction, energy
and environmental workers has
asked congress to include electric
transmission
provisions
in
any
proposed infrastructure legislation
and so streamline the expansion of US
electrical infrastructure.
A letter, co-signed by the American
Wind Energy Association (AWEA), the
National Electrical Manufacturers
Association (NEMA), the Solar Energy
Industries Association (SEIA), WIRES,
and other groups, urged congress to
promote grid investments that lessen
the economic impact of electrical
outages and ensure that the country’s
high voltage transmission system is
productive and secure.
“Just like highways and bridges,
transmission is infrastructure that keeps
theUS economymovingandgrowing,”
said Tom Kiernan, CEO of AWEA.
“Investment in new transmission lines
will modernize the US grid and deliver
more clean energy to population
centers. This investment will also
help to keep the lights on, and costs
low, for American homeowners and
businesses. Recognizing transmission
as essential infrastructure is another
way congress and the administration
can keep promises of advancing
all forms of energy while growing US
energy independence.”
“Modernizing,
expanding,
and
protecting the electric grid is a
national priority,” said NEMA president
and CEO Kevin Cosgriff. “Upgrading
and extending the more than 200,000
miles of high voltage transmission lines
in the United States is necessary in its
own right to ensure that low cost and
reliable electricity continues to flow
to the nation’s businesses, hospitals,
schools, and homes.”
“Modern electricity infrastructure is the
missing piece of the puzzle,” added
Abigail Ross Hopper, SEIA’s president
and CEO.
Calling on Congress
M A K I N G T H E
NEWS
wiredInUSA - April 2017
9