7 U.S.C. § 2009bb–1a

(a) In general The Authority shall provide assistance to States in developing regional plans to address multistate economic issues, including plans— (1) to develop a regional transmission system for movement of renewable energy to markets outside the region; (2) to address regional transportation concerns, including the establishment of a Northern Great Plains Regional Transportation Working Group; (3) to encourage and support interstate collaboration on federally-funded research that is in the national interest; and (4) to establish a Regional Working Group on Agriculture Development and Transportation. (b) Economic issues The multistate economic issues referred to in subsection (a) shall include— (1) renewable energy development and transmission; (2) transportation planning and economic development; (3) information technology; (4) movement of freight and individuals within the region; (5) federally-funded research at institutions of higher education; and (6) conservation land management.