A new bill could change how the US builds energy infrastructure
The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (BAAJA), scheduled for Senate vote on November 9, represents a major attempt to reform the slow and complicated federal permitting system for energy infrastructure. The 417-page bill contains provisions to narrow the scope of projects requiring federal permits and establish deadlines to accelerate approvals. Current permitting processes are governed by multiple laws including the National Environmental Policy Act and Clean Water Act. Critics and supporters debate whether the reform will cut or increase greenhouse-gas emissions from the US energy sector.
Key points
- BAAJA aims to streamline federal permitting process for energy projects currently taking years
- Bill narrows scope of projects requiring permits and sets deadlines to reduce delays
- Addresses complexity of laws including National Environmental Policy Act and Clean Water Act
- Key debate: whether reform reduces or increases greenhouse-gas emissions from energy sector
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