Bill would speed approval of power lines, mines on Western public lands
A proposed federal permitting reform bill scheduled for a U.S. Senate vote could accelerate approval of transmission lines, mines and potentially data centers on public lands. Environmental and tribal groups oppose the measure, warning it would weaken environmental reviews, tribal consultation and legal challenges; Arizona advocates fear it could revive Hudbay Minerals’ plans for the Copper World mine near Vail.
The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act would limit environmental reviews and legal challenges for projects on federal land, with supporters arguing that it would speed transmission construction and help expand clean energy. Critics say the measure could also facilitate fossil-fuel projects, mining and data-center development while weakening protections under environmental and cultural-preservation laws.
The bill has drawn particular concern in southern Arizona, where Save the Scenic Santa Ritas is opposing Hudbay Minerals’ Copper World mine near Vail. The group says the legislation could overturn a 2019 federal court ruling that blocked the use of Coronado National Forest land for mine tailings. Environmental and tribal advocates also point to the SunZia transmission project and potential data centers on Bureau of Land Management land as examples of developments that could receive faster approval with less public oversight.
The Senate was scheduled to vote Nov. 9 on whether to advance the bill. Arizona Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego said they were reviewing the legislation but had not disclosed how they would vote, while opponents urged them to reject it.