Senate advances bill to speed infrastructure projects

The Senate on Monday advanced a bipartisan bill that aims to significantly speed up the approval process for critical U.S. infrastructure projects.

The vote, 73-25, allows the Senate to begin debate on the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act bill as it heads toward final passage

The bill, which would reform the permitting process for projects, has emerged as a key priority of Congress’ lame duck session. President Donald Trump, who often opposes bipartisan legislation, has endorsed the package.

The legislation would amend laws like the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act to speed up the review process that hinders the buildout of resources like electricity generation, while also overhauling the process for greenlighting transmission lines.

The bill would also force artificial intelligence companies and data center developers to pay their own way for power and grid enhancements.

Republicans have long argued that environmental laws are too restrictive and hinder the U.S. from building big things like power plants and mines. Democrats, meanwhile, want to speed up the buildout of clean energy projects like solar and wind to lower carbon emissions

Lawmakers have circled a deal to streamline the nation’s complex web of permitting laws for years, but most prior efforts have sputtered. This year, negotiators believe they will catch lightning in a bottle and make BAAJA law before this Congress ends in January.

The lawmakers are touting further tailwinds after last week’s elections, where Democrats wiped out Republicans and seized majorities in both chambers of Congress

“Just one week ago Americans sent a clear message: They want Congress focused on making their lives more affordable. That’s precisely what this permitting reform bill will do,” said Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., the top Democrat and likely incoming Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, during a Monday morning press conference.

The bill would still require approval by the House of Representatives if it is able to pass the Senate this week. Trump’s endorsement of the effort is likely to help the bill get a vote in the House if it clears the Senate.