Gas, solar, and tech companies all want this bill. Will Congress pass it?
A bipartisan Senate group says it's closer than ever to a permitting reform deal meant to speed up energy project approvals, driven largely by surging demand from data centers. But polling from Redbud Consulting finds data centers deeply unpopular across party lines, pushing lawmakers to promote the bill without mentioning its biggest beneficiary.
The draft would reportedly ease environmental review requirements under the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act and shield permits from post-approval lawsuits, benefiting solar and natural gas projects alike. President Trump has signaled he'd stop obstructing renewable projects to entice Democratic votes, though Senator Sheldon Whitehouse says Democrats want clarity on what that actually means in practice before committing.
Senators plan to finish the bill after the midterms, when it will compete for floor time, particularly if Republicans lose control of Congress. Industry voices, including the Solar Energy Industry Association's Tim Pawlenty, warn the country would be 'constipated' without it.
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