Permitting bill faces test as Senate returns to Capitol Hill; watch live days after Democrats win back control

Senate prepares procedural vote

The Senate is scheduled to convene at 3 p.m. EST on Monday and take a procedural vote on the permitting bill. It is the chamber’s first major action since last week’s election, which repudiated Trump and congressional Republicans.

The proposal would shorten timelines for large energy projects, including clean energy and fossil fuel developments. It would also require data centers to pay for the energy they use, as demand for electricity grows and projects face yearslong waits to connect to the grid.

Supporters cite energy costs

Trump urged senators to approve the measure in a Sunday social media post, calling it a “BIG WIN for U.S. ENERGY INDEPENDENCE and DOMINANCE.” Heinrich said, “Americans can't afford to wait for lower electricity prices. We need to pass this bill now.” Major clean energy and oil and gas industry groups also support it.

Environmental groups object

The Sierra Club, National Wildlife Federation and other environmental organizations oppose the bill. They warn it could entrench fossil fuel development, weaken environmental protections and restrict communities’ ability to challenge project approvals.

Critics also point to changes involving the National Environmental Policy Act, the 1970 law requiring agencies to assess potential project impacts and allow public input. Supporters of permitting changes argue the review process can hold up projects for years.

Election shifts debate

Democrats’ midterm gains could make passage more difficult. Some Democrats want the party to use its stronger position in the next Congress to expand clean energy while limiting oil, natural gas and mining. Critics say the proposal could enable more liquefied natural gas exports and a large expansion of gas-powered data centers. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat expected to become speaker in January, said last week through his office that the bill “falls short.” Whitehouse said Monday the measure is “the floor, not the ceiling, of our climate and environmental aspirations.” He also said a provision would prevent the administration from using public money to pay clean energy developers to give up wind leases.