Oregon Public Broadcasting

President Barack Obama Wednesday said that the stimulus package was helping to build a new, greener power grid across the country.

At the same time, administration officials announced a deal to fast track new power line construction on federal lands.

Ethan Lindsey reports from Bend.

The new, and temperamental, nature of wind and solar power has meant energy companies need to build more power lines on federal lands.

But multiple agencies weigh in on projects and environmentalists worry about at-risk species like sage grouse.

Now, nine agencies have announced a streamlined process that could reduce the wait time before a power line could be built.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar says the deal puts one agency in charge of each project.

Ken Salazar: “First there is a time-saving measure, because you will have simultaneous processing of applications – and everyone will be on the same page in terms of environmental information.”

Bureau of Land Management docs from 2009 list six proposed power lines that can be fast tracked out of 30 currently planned.

Two controversial projects in eastern Oregon, the Boardman line and the North Steens, will not be fast-tracked.