SALOME, Ariz. - While a power line in a remote corner of the desert Southwest might seem like an unusual attraction for national leaders, the completion of a new high-voltage transmission line that will enhance the electric grid in Arizona and California drew both Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, and Tracy Stone-Manning, director of the Bureau of Land Management, to the celebration Thursday, in western Arizona. But with the U.S. transition from fossil fuel-generated electricity to renewable sources of energy dependent on growing the nation’s grid, and the installation of new transmission lines often stalled by the wide range of land owners and stakeholders the infrastructure must cross, every new power line is seen as a big step in confronting climate change. A new rule to speed transmission projects announced by the Biden administration on the same day as the celebration of the power line in Arizona highlights the urgency of every new electricity distribution project. Please take a look at the new openings in our newsroom. In just over a year, construction workers and electricians built the Ten West Link transmission line across 125 miles from near Tonopah, Arizona, to near Blythe, California. Supporters say the transmission line will help increase the number of renewable energy projects in the area by providing an efficient way to deliver their electricity to communities. “These are technologically complex projects, and getting them right is critical,” Himanshu Saxena, CEO of Lotus Instructure Partners, said. “These assets will be standing for 100-plus years, like well after I’m gone. These assets would still be here, serving the needs of the country and serving the needs of the local communities.” Attendees rode on shuttle buses to get to the ceremony, which was held next to the transmission line. Upon arrival, they were greeted by signs that displayed the names of Ten West Link, La Paz County and Lotus... |