Senate Advances Sweeping Energy Permitting Bill

The Senate voted 73-25 to begin considering the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, a major permitting overhaul whose advancement does not guarantee passage. The bill would accelerate federal reviews for clean-energy and fossil-fuel projects, strengthen electricity-grid provisions, and require data centers to cover transmission costs associated with their power use. Energy and business groups support the measure, and President Donald Trump has urged its passage. Environmental groups warn it could weaken safeguards and encourage fossil-fuel development. Democrats’ midterm gains have sharpened calls among some party members to revisit the deal next year, clouding prospects for approval during the current session.