Categorical exclusion for reconductoring

Part II of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 216 the following: 216A. Grid capacity expansion in existing rights-of-way (a) Definition of previously disturbed or developed In this section, the term previously disturbed or developed has the meaning given the term in section 1021.102(g)(1) of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation). (b) Establishment of categorical exclusion Activities to increase the capacity of the electric grid within existing rights-of-way or on previously disturbed or developed land are a category of actions designated as being categorically excluded from the preparation of an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). (c) Inclusions The activities to which the categorical exclusion established by subsection (b) shall apply include any repair, maintenance, replacement, upgrade, modification, optimization, or minor relocation of, addition to, or addition of energy storage at or near, an existing electric transmission or distribution facility or associated infrastructure, including electrical substations, within an existing right-of-way or on otherwise previously disturbed or developed land, including reconductoring and installation of grid-enhancing technologies..