Democratic US senators push for energy permitting bill ahead of key Senate vote
XLU•Democratic senators urged party members to back a bipartisan energy permitting bill ahead of a Senate vote to open debate. The package would speed approvals for energy and infrastructure projects and require large data centers to pay more of the cost of grid upgrades.
1. Senators make case for bill
Martin Heinrich and Sheldon Whitehouse urged Democrats to support the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act ahead of a preliminary Senate vote. They said revisions and assurances from the Trump administration about stalled wind projects could help win over skeptics; the senators argued the bill would lower electricity costs and provide a foundation for further environmental legislation.
2. Opposition remains
Changes to the bill include more consultation with Native communities, an expanded state role in transmission planning and utility oversight, and a Department of Energy program to help communities address data-center impacts. The National Congress of American Indians urged Congress to halt consideration, saying the measure would weaken tribal sovereignty and protections for sacred sites. Jeff Merkley said he would oppose the bill, while Catherine Cortez Masto said she would support opening debate but oppose final passage unless provisions affecting the National Historic Preservation Act are removed. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said the bill was still under review.
