Senate Considers Permitting Reform Bill That Could Speed Data Center and Energy Projects
The U.S. Senate is considering the bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, a permitting reform bill intended to speed energy and infrastructure projects. Environmental advocates warn that the measure could reduce public oversight of data centers, ease water and pipeline permitting, and limit communities’ ability to challenge projects in court.
The bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, introduced by Sens. Shelley Moore Capito, Sheldon Whitehouse, Mike Lee and Martin Heinrich, would accelerate federal permitting by imposing deadlines on environmental reviews and limiting the time available for legal challenges. The bill also includes provisions requiring large data center developers to contribute more toward transmission infrastructure and disclose electricity purchases.
Supporters say the measure could speed grid upgrades, expand renewable energy and reduce utility costs. Environmental groups, including the Natural Resources Defense Council and Earthjustice Action, argue that it could weaken protections under the National Environmental Policy Act and the Clean Water Act, reduce public participation and make it easier to build gas infrastructure and water-intensive data centers with less scrutiny.