The Senate advanced a bipartisan bill to overhaul federal energy permitting
The U.S. Senate on Monday advanced New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich’s Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, clearing a procedural cloture hurdle for the proposal to overhaul federal permitting for energy projects and moving it closer to becoming law. The bill has drawn tepid bipartisan support.
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The Washington Sun reported that Democrats were divided and that the bill gained support after a weekend amendment backed by conservatives and climate advocates.
Food & Water Watch said the proposal would weaken bedrock environmental rules and fast-track permitting and construction of AI data centers and the fossil fuel infrastructure needed to support them. The group’s policy director, Jim Walsh, urged the Senate to reject the bill and said the House should demonstrate political courage and common sense if senators failed to do so.
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Reporting behind this story
- The Washington Sun — Senators Advance Bipartisan Permitting Reform. Democrats Were Divided.
- News From The States — Permitting overhaul advances in US Senate with tepid bipartisan support
- Source NM — US Senate advances New Mexico US Sen. Heinrich’s controversial permit reform bill
- foodandwaterwatch.org — Senate Votes to Advance Terrible Energy Permitting Bill | Food & Water Watch