Democratic senators backing a bipartisan energy-permitting proposal are urging action in the post-election session, with a procedural Senate vote on a related measure scheduled before control of Congress shifts in January.
Sen. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico said in a statement to Reuters, “I’m not going to wait.” Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island also urged lawmakers to accept the compromise, Reuters reported, saying in a statement to the news service, “We’d be fools not to take it.”
The proposal, S. 5653, was introduced Sept. 30 by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito with Sens. Mike Lee, Whitehouse and Heinrich as original co-sponsors. The Senate read the bill twice and referred it to the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. It remains a proposal in committee. The Associated Press reported lawmakers reached a bipartisan permitting agreement in September to speed energy and infrastructure reviews; S. 5653 follows that agreement.
The bill would change federal environmental reviews and permitting for energy and infrastructure projects. It would require some data centers and high-density computing facilities to pay added electricity-system costs tied to their demand if they reach 20 megawatts, including through phased construction. The sponsors say the bill would give federal officials more say in approving some interstate power lines, require planning across regions and set deadlines for environmental reviews. They also say consumers and businesses could benefit from lower electricity costs and that construction could support jobs.
The Senate Daily Press lists a vote around 5:30 p.m. ET Monday, Nov. 9, on ending debate over a motion to begin consideration of H.R. 2347, which it identifies as the vehicle for permitting reform. The schedule does not list a final-passage vote on S. 5653.
The Associated Press reported Democrats won control of both chambers in the Nov. 3 midterm elections and are set to take control when the new Congress convenes Jan. 3, 2027. Reuters reported Rep. Jared Huffman and environmental groups have argued the next Congress could pursue a more ambitious bill. Reuters also said TD Cowen lowered its estimate of S. 5653’s chance of success to about 25% from about 40%, citing the election outcome and stronger criticism that the bill gives too much ground to oil and gas.
