[fbdab103]

Given what would likely be billions of dollars to build such a plant, I am not sure why the transmission infrastructure is more than a footnote on the project. There is a lot of engineering know-how on moving electricity large distances. Less so on building the world's largest power plant in the efforts to avoid a global catastrophe.

[7thaccount]

Transmission is crazy expensive and hard to permit for. Something like this could easily be in the billions depending on how much would need to be built and the associated upgrades.

[coryrc]

> hard to permit for

The legislative of any state can basically write a law saying "this project is exempt from review". This isn't a complicated problem like interstate water rights with American Indian treaty obligations.

[hutzlibu]

Depends. Because transmission lines usually cross over private property. And that can get very, very complicated.

(Unless of course you are a fan of the chinese modell and want to implement that - but even they fear people revolting over unpopular big decisions)

[gambiting]

Does US not have compulsory purchase process for infrastructure projects? Here in UK if there is a need to run transmision lines or whatever, the government will just compulsory purchase the land needed, you will be paid the market price for the land but you have to sell it.

[Auracle]

Sure

From experience they try to pay far below market rate, so then people challenge it (possibly in court?). This delays things, adds expense, etc.

[pohl]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eminent_domain

[KennyBlanken]

Gosh, why didn't state "legislatives" think of "exempting from review" interstate power grid construction projects? That'll totally help with all the federal environmental regulations and power transmission regulations. And who knew that "legislatives" could just bypass any state laws they want?

You're like a walking, talking poster child for Dunning-Kruger.