The US Senate advanced major permitting reforms aimed at speeding up the construction of energy infrastructure, seen by green-power advocates as much-needed progress to accelerate the country’s energy transition. Democrats’ decisive victory in last week’s midterms — where several candidates ran on an “all-of-the-above” approach to electricity generation — have added impetus to permitting reform. But Democrats and environmental groups remain divided over the long-awaited bill, which would overhaul major environmental laws to streamline the permitting process for building power projects, AI data centers, and distribution grids.
Both fossil fuel and clean energy companies have backed the bill, which would help connect more renewables to the grid, although President Donald Trump said he would not approve permits for new wind projects. Modelling by the Rhodium Group found the reform would reduce electricity bills and economy-wide emissions. But the effects are difficult to quantify and won’t be immediate, some analysts warn: “The bill’s greatest affordability benefits will start accruing to the president who follows Donald Trump,” Heatmap wrote.
— Chloé Farand
