Leaders of the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee on Sept. 30 announced that they have reached an agreement on bipartisan energy permitting reform, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026.
The bill includes reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and provisions around “permitting certainty.” It also includes hydropower licensing reforms, provisions related to transmission planning and permitting, and data center electricity rates.
The Senate won’t vote on the bill until after the midterm elections.
Energy permitting reform is a priority for APPA, and it has engaged extensively with federal policymakers on these issues. APPA said it will soon share a detailed summary, analysis, and request for member feedback with its members.
