Senate Opens Debate on Permitting Overhaul After 73-25 Vote

The U.S. Senate voted 73-25 on November 9 to begin debate on the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, clearing a procedural hurdle but not passing the permitting overhaul. The measure would revise federal approvals for energy and infrastructure projects and require data centers to cover grid costs attributable to their power needs.

The vote was cloture on a motion to proceed, which allows debate to begin. The bill still needs a final Senate vote and approval by the House before it could reach President Donald Trump. Senate debate and potential amendments are expected to shape the legislation’s terms and support.

The bill would set deadlines for permitting decisions, change environmental review requirements and restrict the time available to challenge some project approvals in court. It also would expand federal oversight of parts of the electric grid. Its sponsors say the changes would speed construction and help address rising electricity demand.

Under the data-center provisions, developers would be required to pay for grid infrastructure needed to serve their facilities, rather than shifting those costs to other electricity customers. Supporters say the rules would...