Senate Advances Trump-Backed Energy Permitting Bill in 73-25 Vote
The Senate overwhelmingly voted Monday to advance a sweeping bipartisan energy permitting bill, though the measure still faces major hurdles before it can reach President Donald Trump's desk.
Senators voted 73-25 to begin formal debate on the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, giving supporters a decisive procedural win during the lame-duck session.
The nearly 500-page bill is designed to speed up federal approval of pipelines, power plants, mines, transmission lines and other major projects. It would also change environmental review rules and require huge data centers to pay more of the cost of expanding the electrical grid.
Republicans voted 51-1 to move forward, while Democrats split. Twenty-one Democrats and independent Sen. Angus King of Maine joined Republicans, while 23 Democrats and independent Sen. Bernie Sanders voted no.
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Who Wrote the Deal
The bill was negotiated by Republican Sens. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia and Mike Lee of Utah, along with Democratic Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico.
"For far too long, critical investments in our nation's infrastructure, energy production, and economy have been forced to sit on the sidelines due to endless red tape, duplicative reviews, and regulatory uncertainty," Capito said. "It is time for Congress to act. It is, actually, well past time."
The legislation would overhaul parts of the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act while shortening timelines for some lawsuits and reviews. It has drawn support from both the American Petroleum Institute and clean-energy industry groups.
Trump endorsed the bill Sunday, calling it a "BIG WIN for U.S. ENERGY INDEPENDENCE and DOMINANCE" and saying it would "ensure that we can build Pipelines, Mines, and Power Plants faster than ever before, lowering Energy Costs for American Families."
Wind Power Fight
Hours before the vote, however, Trump repeated his opposition to wind power after learning that wind projects could benefit from parts of the bill. "Well, the bill hasn't been fully negotiated," Trump told reporters. "I will not approve wind turbines because wind turbines are a major loser."
The comments worried Democratic backers because the bill includes protections for previously approved renewable projects. "The bill's success depends on Trump officials getting wind turbines up and spinning to get affordable energy on the grid," Whitehouse said. The White House later said Trump "stands 100%" behind the bill.
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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer supported starting debate but said he still has "outstanding concerns" he plans to address through amendments. Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada has warned she could oppose final passage unless provisions involving the National Historic Preservation Act are changed, and Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has raised similar concerns.
Several environmental groups and Native American organizations also oppose the bill, saying it could weaken environmental and tribal protections. Supporters released revised language over the weekend to strengthen tribal consultation and give states and tribes a bigger role in transmission planning.
"Americans can't afford to wait for lower electricity prices," Heinrich said. "We need to pass this bill now."
Under the proposal, large data centers would have to contribute more toward the grid upgrades needed for their massive power use instead of passing those costs to households. Despite the strong 73-vote showing, passage is not guaranteed, as the Senate must still work through amendments and approve a final version before the House can take it up.