Proposed permitting bill could ease data center and infrastructure approvals on Arizona public lands
The Arizona Daily Star examines a proposed federal permitting reform bill that could make it easier to approve data centers, transmission lines and other projects on public lands. Environmental, tribal and public-lands groups oppose the measure, while supporters say it would accelerate clean-energy infrastructure and reduce permitting delays.
The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, also known as the permitting reform measure, faces a U.S. Senate vote and would shorten environmental review and permitting timelines for major infrastructure projects. Critics, including Save the Scenic Santa Ritas and other environmental and tribal organizations, argue that the bill would weaken public input, tribal consultation and legal challenges involving federal land projects.
The proposal could benefit data center developers by expanding potential siting options on federally managed lands and accelerating transmission construction needed to connect large power users to the grid. The Center for Western Priorities says at least 35 data center projects are considering Bureau of Land Management land in the American West, including at least six in Arizona. Supporters counter that faster approvals would unlock renewable-energy investment and reduce grid-related costs.
The article also highlights the bill's potential effect on Hudbay Minerals' Copper World mine near the Santa Rita Mountains. Save the Scenic Santa Ritas Executive Director John Dougherty says the measure could undo a 2019 federal court ruling that rejected the mine's use of public land for tailings disposal. Arizona Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego said they were reviewing the bill and had not disclosed how they would vote.