The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission moved Monday to overhaul the nation's transmission system, limiting states' authority to block long-distance power lines to try and enable remote wind and solar farms in places like West Texas and the Panhandle to more easily move electricity around the country. 

Under draft regulations approved by FERC, the commission will be able to overrule state objections to often unpopular transmission projects within designated corridors deemed necessary to the stability of the nation's power grid. FERC also ordered power utilities and state utility commissions to undertake a more comprehensive planning process when it comes to transmission, looking ahead 20 years to avoid the construction of "piecemeal transmission expansion addressing near-term needs."

The main Texas power grid, operated by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, does not cross state lines and is not subject to most FERC rules and would be exempted from the order, though it can send and receive power from neighboring grids. Parts of the Texas Panhandle, East Texas and West Texas, which are served by other grids, would need to comply.