American families, businesses, and manufacturers as well as our national security all depend on a modernized, reliable, and affordable energy system. U.S. demand for energy is expected to increase substantially in the coming decades, which will require significantly increasing domestic electricity supply and expanding our ability to transmit electricity across the country. However, outdated permitting processes and other barriers are slowing innovation, driving up costs, and threatening energy reliability. A 21^st-century electricity system demands 21^st-century permitting and planning tools. Removing barriers to the rapid deployment of energy projects and an expanded electric grid will enable the U.S. to meet changing and growing energy needs reliably and affordably.