The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 still needs to pass the House of Representatives.
The Senate voted Monday to advance the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, legislation that aims to expedite permitting for large energy projects. The act passed 73-25, propelled primarily by Republicans. Some Democratic senators who voted in favor of the bill emphasized that they would fight for amendments that protect the rights of Native American tribal nations.
“The legislation is an attempt to streamline the rules and regulations that have increased over the past 70 years, hindering the nation’s ability to build infrastructure rapidly. High-voltage transmission lines, crucial for delivery of clean energy, take 10 years on average to build. The issue has become more urgent as electricity demand surges, in part due to the proliferation of artificial intelligence data centers,” Marianne Lavelle and Dan Gearino write for Inside Climate News.
While the bill should make it easier for clean energy projects to get permits, opponents fear the bill will make it harder for states and tribal nations to stop oil and gas pipeline projects. The act still has to pass the House, where Republicans have a slimmer majority.
Read the full story: Senate Advances Permitting Overhaul But Roadblocks Loom
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