Us Code § 838b - Operation and maintenance of Federal transmission system; construction of improvements, betterments, additions and replacements; criteria

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 838b — Operation and maintenance of Federal transmission system; construction of improvements, betterments, additions and replacements; criteria, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 838b. Operation and maintenance of Federal transmission system; construction of improvements, betterments, additions and replacements; criteria

The Secretary of Energy, acting by and through the Administrator, shall operate and maintain the Federal transmission system within the Pacific Northwest and shall construct improvements, betterments, and additions to and replacements of such system within the Pacific Northwest as he determines are appropriate and required to:

(a) integrate and transmit the electric power from existing or additional Federal or non-Federal generating units;

(b) provide service to the Administrator's customers;

(c) provide interregional transmission facilities; or

(d) maintain the electrical stability and electrical reliability of the Federal system: Provided, however, That the Administrator shall not construct any transmission facilities outside the Pacific Northwest, excepting customer service facilities within any contiguous areas, not in excess of seventy-five airline miles from said region, which are a part of the service area of a distribution cooperative which has (i) no generating facilities, and (ii) a distribution system from which it serves both within and without said region, nor shall he commence construction of any major transmission facility within the Pacific Northwest, unless the expenditure of the funds for the initiation of such construction is specifically approved by Act of Congress.

(Pub. L. 93–454, §4, Oct. 18, 1974, 88 Stat. 1376; Pub. L. 95–91, title III, §302(a)(1)(D), Aug. 4, 1977, 91 Stat. 578.)


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

"Secretary of Energy" substituted in text for "Secretary of the Interior" pursuant to Pub. L. 95–91, §302(a)(1)(D), which is classified to section 7152(a)(1)(D) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

About This Section

16 U.S.C. § 838b is part of Title 16 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 16 U.S.C. § 838b. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 838b

What does United States Code § 838b cover?

Section 838b ("Operation and maintenance of Federal transmission system; construction of improvements, betterments, additions and replacements; criteria") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 838b?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 838b" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 838b apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.