Senate Votes 88-2 To Begin Debate On Trump-Backed Energy Permitting Bill
The Senate voted 88-2 to begin formal consideration of a sweeping bipartisan energy permitting bill backed by President Donald Trump, handing supporters another decisive procedural win during the lame-duck session.
The nearly 500-page Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act is designed to speed up federal approval of pipelines, power plants, mines, transmission lines and other major infrastructure projects.
It would also change environmental review requirements and require massive data centers to shoulder more of the cost of expanding the electrical grid.
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.
READ MORE: Senate Advances Trump-Backed Energy Permitting Bill in 73-25 Vote
'Well Past Time'
"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, according to The Wall Street Journal. "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 certain lawsuits and environmental reviews.
Supporters argue the changes could unleash new domestic energy production and make it easier to build the transmission lines needed to move electricity around the country. The bill has drawn support from both the American Petroleum Institute and clean-energy industry groups.
Trump strongly endorsed it Sunday, calling it a "BIG WIN for U.S. ENERGY INDEPENDENCE and DOMINANCE." He said it would "ensure that we can build Pipelines, Mines, and Power Plants faster than ever before, lowering Energy Costs for American Families."
The Wind Turbine Fight
Trump complicated negotiations hours before Monday's earlier vote when he 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."
READ MORE: Senate Clears Second Vote on Trump-Backed Energy Permitting Bill, 62-21
Those comments raised concerns among Democratic supporters because the bill includes protections for previously approved renewable-energy 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.
In that earlier 73-25 vote, 21 Democrats and independent Sen. Angus King of Maine joined Republicans, while 23 Democrats and independent Sen. Bernie Sanders voted no.
Hurdles Remain
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer supported beginning 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, arguing it could weaken environmental safeguards 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."
The Senate must still work through amendments and approve the final bill before the House can take it up.