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What happened
Energy and policy experts said at a Tuesday Daily Caller Live event in Washington, D.C., that slow federal permitting is delaying power plants, pipelines, and other infrastructure needed to support the country’s industrial future.
Christopher Johnson, president of the American Energy Leadership Institute, said the Senate’s bipartisan permitting bill, known as the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, would test whether Democrats will support legislation aimed at lowering energy costs after campaigning on affordability. Johnson argued that environmental groups oppose the bill because they seek to block growth across energy projects, including pipelines and solar panels.
Conner Brace of Boundary Stone Partners said Democrats have the first opportunity to pass the first federal law governing data centers. Under the bill, large data centers would cover the cost of grid upgrades themselves instead of passing those expenses to ratepayers. Brace said Democrats campaigned on that approach but may vote against the measure.
The bill advanced to the Senate on Monday. The House previously passed the SPEED Act in December 2025 to accelerate federal environmental reviews for energy initiatives. Because Democrats won control of both chambers in the November 3 elections, the current lame-duck session may be the final chance for Republicans to pass permitting reform while they control Congress.
Johnson said building large-scale projects to power artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing could inspire younger generations and help rebuild hope in the country.
