Welcome!
The Department of Energy (DOE) invites you to participate in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment (EA) process for the proposed Lake Erie Connector. ITC Lake Erie Connector, LLC (ITC Lake Erie) has applied for a Presidential Permit to construct, operate, maintain, and connect an electric transmission line across the United States border with Canada.
Executive Order (E.O.) 10485, as amended by E.O. 12038, establishes that anyone seeking to construct, operate, maintain, or connect an electric transmission facility crossing the borders of the United States must first obtain a Presidential Permit issued by DOE. DOE did not initiate, nor is it funding, the proposed transmission facility. DOE’s role is limited to deciding whether to issue a Presidential Permit. In addition, ITC Lake Erie will be required to obtain the approval of the State of Pennsylvania in order to build its proposed facility.
An integral part of the Presidential Permit application process is DOE’s determination on whether the proposed action is in the public interest. NEPA is a Federal law that requires the DOE to consider the potential environmental impacts of a proposed action. This can be done through the development of an EA or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The NEPA process is further outlined on the Process page.
This website serves to provide information and announcements to the public regarding the NEPA process for the proposed Lake Erie Connector. Public documents related to the project are available on the Documents page. Public comments on the draft EA can be made through this website’s Comment Form. DOE welcomes you to get involved and subscribe to the mail list in order to receive announcements and news releases from the DOE and its contractors involved with the project.