DOE Opens Public Comment Period and Announces Scoping Meetings to Determine Level of Environmental Analysis Needed for Transmission Project Seeking Presidential Permit

On October 15, 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Grid Deployment Office (GDO) opened a public comment period for a proposed transmission project seeking a Presidential Permit from DOE.

Grid Deployment Office

October 15, 2024
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DOE Opens Comment Period for the Tande and Wheelock to Saskatchewan Transmission Project, a Transmission Project Proposed by the Basin Electric Power Cooperative

On October 15, 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Grid Deployment Office (GDO) opened a public comment period for a proposed transmission project seeking a Presidential Permit from DOE.

Basin Electric Power Cooperative has submitted a Presidential Permit to allow for the construction, connection, operation, and maintenance of electric transmission facilities at the international border between North Dakota and Saskatchewan, Canada. The proposed project, called the Tande and Wheelock to Saskatchewan Transmission Project, would construct two new 230kV electric transmission lines from existing substations in North Dakota to the Canadian border. 

To understand the potential environmental impacts of these projects, DOE will prepare either an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). DOE is seeking comments to help determine the issues that should be addressed in its environmental review and the appropriate level of analysis (EA or EIS).

DOE will hold two in person scoping meetings for the Tande and Wheelock to Saskatchewan Transmission Project.

Interested parties are invited to participate in the public scoping meetings to learn about the proposed Project, learn about DOE’s environmental review process, and submit formal comments on the proposed Project. 

Meeting FormatDateTimeLocationVenue
In PersonTuesday, October 295:00-7:00 p.m. CDTCrosby, NDDivide County Courthouse
200 N Main St.
Crosby, ND 58730
In PersonWednesday, October 305:00-7:00 p.m. CDTTioga, NDTioga Community Center
410 6th St. NE
Tioga, ND 58852

Interested parties can also submit comments on the Tande and Wheelock to Saskatchewan Transmission Project via the following methods:

  • Email (preferred): BasinElectricNEPA@hq.doe.gov
  • Mail: U.S. Department of Energy, Grid Deployment Office, 1000 Independence Ave SW, Suite 4H-065, Washington, DC 20585
  • Voicemail: 866-606-7553

You can learn more about the Tande and Wheelock to Saskatchewan Transmission Project here.

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Tags:
  • Grid Deployment and Transmission
  • Grid Permitting
  • NEPA
  • Energy Policy
  • Environmental and Legacy Management