wiredinUSA July 2018

Regulation hurdles for $2bn transmission project M A K I N G T H E NEWS

The developers of a $2 billion transmission project between New Mexico, Arizona and the southwest are pursuing regulatory approvals. The proposed two single-circuit 500kV transmission lines will cross about 520 miles of state, federal and private land in the two states. SunZia made application in March for approval of locations and right- of-way widths for the massive power lines, and the route is now under scrutiny by a New Mexico public regulation commission. The project has been controversial due to its proximity to a US military installation, and environmentalists’ concerns about effects on wildlife.

Developers stated in their application to the commission that they expect final approval from the US Bureau of Land Management to proceed with construction later this year, and that a right-of-way permit from the New Mexico State Land Office is expected shortly. SunZia is also pursuing easement agreements with over 80 private landowners in New Mexico. Right-of-way corridors for both lines may be up to 1,000 feet, depending on terrain conditions, with a typical right-of-way width of 200 feet per 500kV circuit.

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wiredInUSA - July 2018