US Senators Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reform Federal Permitting
United States: Four US senators introduced the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 on 30 September, proposing changes to the federal permitting system for infrastructure and industrial projects. Sponsored by Shelley Moore Capito, Martin Heinrich, Mike Lee and Sheldon Whitehouse, the legislation seeks to establish clearer review timelines and reduce delays associated with environmental assessments and project approvals. Its provisions include a one-year limit for environmental assessments, a two-year limit for environmental impact statements and a standard public consultation period of 45 to 60 days, extendable to 75 days with the project sponsor's agreement. It also proposes a 150-day deadline for filing legal challenges against permitted projects and a unified electronic permitting portal by 1 December 2028.
The legislation would require data centres with electricity demand of at least 20 megawatts to cover their full infrastructure costs and would restrict federal agencies from revoking valid permits except under specified circumstances. Industry organisations, including the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters, Associated Builders and Contractors, the American Supply Association and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association, have supported the proposed reforms, citing the potential to reduce project delays and improve investment certainty. Environmental and conservation organisations have opposed aspects of the bill, particularly provisions they believe could weaken protections under the Clean Water Act. The legislation is expected to require 60 votes to advance in the Senate, with a cloture vote scheduled for 9 November 2026.
Source: Contractor Mag
