National Electric Safety Code (NESC): Federal standard that provides the basic requirements for the safe installation, operation, and maintenance of electric power and communication lines and associated equipment.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Regulations: Federal regulations governing interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil, including requirements for utility easements and rights-of-way.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): Federal law requiring assessment of environmental impacts for major federal actions, including utility installations that may affect the environment.
Endangered Species Act: Federal law protecting threatened and endangered species that may be affected by the installation and maintenance of power lines.
Clean Water Act: Federal law governing water quality and wetlands protection that may be impacted by power line installation and maintenance.
Federal Power Act: Primary federal law governing the transmission and sale of electric power, including provisions for utility easements and rights-of-way.
State Public Utility Commission Regulations: State-specific regulations governing utility operations, safety standards, and easement requirements for power line installation.
State Property Laws: State-specific laws governing creation, recording, and enforcement of easements and other property rights.
Municipal Zoning Ordinances: Local regulations governing land use and development, including restrictions on utility installations and easements.
Local Building Codes: Municipal or county-specific construction and safety requirements for utility installations.
Property Recording Requirements: State and local requirements for documenting and recording easements in public property records.
IEEE Standards: Technical standards developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers for power line installation and maintenance.
Americans with Disabilities Act: Federal law ensuring accessibility requirements are met when utility installations affect public spaces or access.
Historic Preservation Laws: Federal and state laws protecting historic properties and archaeological resources that may be affected by utility installations.
Native American Land Rights: Federal and tribal laws governing utility easements on or affecting Native American lands.
