US Senate proposes new permitting framework for energy projects

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse introduced the bipartisan BAAJA bill to overhaul permitting for US energy projects. The 417-page package would ease construction of transmission lines, renewables and gas pipelines; a vote is postponed until after the midterms.

• BAAJA narrows NEPA environmental review requirements for several project types
• Reform could cut grid costs by $125B and household bills by $19B by 2040
• States and Tribes would get a maximum of one year to certify under Clean Water Act Section 401
• Environmental groups criticize the bill for easing gas infrastructure construction