US senators voted 73-25 to advance the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, the first major congressional action since Democrats swept last week’s midterm elections. The cloture vote does not pass the bill, but moves a wide-ranging permitting overhaul closer to a floor vote during the lame-duck session before the new Congress convenes in January.
The legislation would speed approvals for energy infrastructure and transmission interconnections, and would extend the same treatment to fossil fuel projects and data centres, a combination that has turned it into a political flashpoint.
Trade body the Solar Energy Industries Association backed the bill with a letter signed by 300 solar and storage companies, noting that the two technologies supplied 70% of new US generating capacity added in 2026 while US$120 billion of clean energy investment sits in permitting queues. SEIA analysis estimates the reforms could unlock 167 GW of additional solar between 2028 and 2035, lift solar above 18% of US generation by 2035, cut cumulative power-sector CO2 emissions by about 20% and avoid US$54 billion in public health costs.
The Sierra Club said the bill contains useful clean energy provisions but also measures that weaken environmental protections and make it harder for communities and tribes to challenge projects. Executive director Loren Blackford said the group cannot support the legislation without further changes.
✦ This article was adapted by AI from public news sources for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice.
