Senate Clears Second Vote on Trump-Backed Energy Permitting Bill, 62-21
The Senate handed President Donald Trump another win on Wednesday, voting 62-21 to move forward with a sweeping bill aimed at lowering energy costs and speeding up major construction projects.
It was the second major vote on the package in two days. On Monday, senators voted 73-25 to begin formal consideration of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act.
The latest vote sends the bill into floor debate, where senators can offer amendments before a final vote on passage.
Trump has thrown his full support behind the measure. "This Bill is a BIG WIN for U.S. ENERGY INDEPENDENCE and DOMINANCE," he said.
READ MORE: Senate Advances Trump-Backed Energy Permitting Bill in 73-25 Vote
The president said the legislation would "codify our America First Energy Agenda" and let the country "build Pipelines, Mines, and Power Plants faster than ever before."
Data Centers Would Pay Their Own Way
One of the bill's key provisions targets the massive power demand from data centers. Facilities drawing at least 20 megawatts would have to cover the grid costs they create instead of passing them on to other electricity customers.
When a large new customer needs huge amounts of power, utilities may have to upgrade substations and power lines. Under the bill, qualifying data centers would bear those costs, giving operators a reason to build where the grid already has capacity.
Supporters say that links the fight over industrial power demand directly to the monthly electric bills that families pay.
The package also aims to speed up federal approvals for pipelines, mines, power plants and transmission lines, a change backers say would help projects break ground sooner and create jobs for construction crews and suppliers.
A Bipartisan Coalition
The bill was negotiated by Republican Sens. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia and Mike Lee of Utah alongside Democratic Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico.
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"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 earlier this week. Heinrich added, "Americans can't afford to wait for lower electricity prices. We need to pass this bill now."
In Monday's vote, Republicans backed the motion 51-1, while Democrats split, with 21 Democrats and independent Sen. Angus King of Maine joining Republicans.
Some lawmakers still have concerns. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has said he has "outstanding concerns" he hopes to address through amendments, and Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska have raised issues with provisions involving the National Historic Preservation Act.
Wind power remains a sticking point. Trump said this week that "I will not approve wind turbines because wind turbines are a major loser," while Whitehouse warned that "the bill's success depends on Trump officials getting wind turbines up and spinning." The White House later said Trump "stands 100%" behind the bill.
What Comes Next
Senators now face a separate decision on whether to pass the bill after debate and amendments. If the package is changed, the final vote will be on the revised text.
Any effect on household bills would depend on how the grid-cost provision is carried out and what utilities otherwise charge.
If the Senate approves it, the bill would still need to clear the House before it can reach Trump's desk.