US senators hit deal on energy project permitting bill, vote seen after November

US senators from both parties have reached an agreement on a bill aimed at reforming laws regarding the permitting of large energy and infrastructure projects, though a vote on the legislation is not expected before the midterm elections in November. President Donald Trump's decision to pause five offshore wind farms on the East Coast in December had initially halted negotiations on the bill, but recent efforts by the administration to assure Democrats that wind and solar energy projects would receive preferential treatment have accelerated the process.

Republican Senator Mike Lee, the chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, emphasized that the primary motivation behind the legislation is to make it easier for America to build infrastructure, while Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse acknowledged that despite the progress made, there is still more work to be done on amendments before a vote can occur.

Whitehouse also highlighted that lawmakers need greater clarity from the Trump administration regarding returning to regular order for wind and solar projects, a point on which the issue remains unresolved.

The proposed bill, dubbed the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, was unveiled by the senators in a press conference on Wednesday, with their goal being to secure the first vote taken in the chamber following the November midterm elections. The White House has stated that it is working towards passing historic permitting reform to bolster energy infrastructure and reduce costs. However, the US House of Representatives, which has yet to pass the bill, is currently on recess until after the midterm elections.