; (G) the designation— (i) maximizes existing rights-of-way; and (ii) avoids and minimizes, to the maximum extent practicable, and offsets to the extent appropriate and practicable, sensitive environmental areas and cultural heritage sites; and (H) the designation would result in a reduction in the cost to purchase electric energy for consumers. (5) Designation by request (A) In general The developer of a project to construct or modify an electric transmission facility may submit to the Secretary an application to designate 1 or more proposed routes associated with the project as a national interest electric transmission corridor. (B) Requirement A developer described in subparagraph (A) may submit an application under that subparagraph only if the developer— (i) has begun actively routing the applicable project; and (ii) has— (I) begun engaging in outreach to— (aa) the community in which the proposed route is located; and (bb) landowners that may be affected by the construction or modification of an electric transmission facility on that proposed route; (II) begun engaging in land surveys; or (III) initiated environmental compliance work associated with the project. (C) Designation (i) In general The Secretary may designate a route proposed by a developer in an application submitted under subparagraph (A) as a national interest electric transmission corridor if the Secretary determines that— (I) the route is in a geographic area described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (2); and (II) designation of the route is consistent with the purposes of such a designation, taking into consideration the factors described in paragraph (4). (ii) Deadline for decision Not later than 90 days after the date on which an application is submitted to the Secretary under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall issue a decision with respect to each proposed route that— (I) designates the proposed route as a national interest electric transmission corridor