The US Senate has voted to begin a formal debate on a bipartisan bill designed to accelerate federal permitting for energy and power infrastructure projects.
This move comes despite opposition from several Democratic senators, Native American groups, and environmental organisations, reported Reuters.
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The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (BAAJA) of 2026 passed a key Senate motion by 73-25. This move clears the path for consideration of legislation that officials say could streamline approvals for power plants, transmission lines, mines, and related large-scale projects.
The proposed bill alters federal permitting processes by limiting certain requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act and the Clean Water Act.
Among its chief provisions, the bill would speed up environmental reviews, narrow the range of alternatives that agencies must consider, and exempt some projects from a full review.
The bill also sets fixed timelines for agencies to issue permits once environmental reviews are finished.
A central focus of the legislation is the US electrical grid. The bill expands the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s authority to issue construction permits for certain interstate electricity transmission projects, a provision that supporters claim will remove obstacles facing grid expansion and upgrade plans.
Large data centres, which have fuelled recent electricity demand growth, could soon be required to contribute more to grid infrastructure costs under a new mechanism directed by the bill.
Supporters, including Senators Martin Heinrich of New Mexico and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, have argued that the reforms will reduce delays and costs for power sector investments.
The updated draft includes new requirements for consultation with tribal nations, increased state participation in transmission planning, and a Department of Energy assistance programme for communities affected by data centre projects.
Despite these concessions, the National Congress of American Indians has urged Congress to halt the bill, citing fears over weakened tribal sovereignty and risks to sacred sites.
Environmental and left-leaning policy groups have also warned that the bill could undermine protections for public lands and environmental standards, even after the recent amendments.
If passed by the Senate, the energy permitting legislation will then proceed to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
