Senate weighs sweeping energy legislation in first major action since midterm elections
The U.S. Senate is preparing to vote on bipartisan legislation that would accelerate permitting for data centers and other major energy infrastructure. Supporters say the bill could address electricity demand and require data centers to pay for the energy they consume, while environmental groups warn it would weaken safeguards and judicial review.
The U.S. Senate is set to hold a procedural vote on bipartisan legislation that would shorten permitting timelines for data centers, power plants, pipelines and other large infrastructure projects. The measure is intended to address rising electricity demand and would require data centers to pay for the energy they use.
The bill is backed by President Donald Trump and four senators leading the chamber's energy and environmental panels: Republicans Shelley Moore Capito and Mike Lee and Democrats Martin Heinrich and Sheldon Whitehouse. Environmental organizations, including the Sierra Club and National Wildlife Federation, oppose the legislation, arguing that it would encourage fossil fuel development, weaken National Environmental Policy Act protections and limit communities' ability to challenge project approvals. The legislation's prospects remain uncertain despite bipartisan support following the Democrats' midterm gains.