A bipartisan deal to get America building again
It is unfortunate for Republicans that it won’t pass until after the November elections, but the bipartisan permitting reform deal announced hours before the Senate adjourned this week could be the most historic and consequential legislative accomplishment of Donald Trump’s presidency.
TL;DR
- The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 aims to reform major federal energy and environmental laws.
- Democrats gain easier construction of transmission lines for renewable energy projects.
- Republicans secure limits on environmental reviews and lawsuits that delay infrastructure projects.
- Reforms include expedited environmental reviews, stricter deadlines for lawsuits, and state-focused water pollution reviews.
- Changes to the Endangered Species Act allow states to take over reviews and shorten consultation periods.
- Federal Power Act reforms simplify building transmission lines and integrate renewable energy sources.
- The legislation builds on efforts from House members and has support from Senate and House leadership.
- If passed, the bill could make building homes, factories, power plants, and transmission lines easier, leading to job creation and cost reduction.