US energy permitting bill faces divided support before opening vote

Democratic sponsors of a bipartisan energy permitting bill urged colleagues to support opening debate in the US Senate after amendments were released on Saturday. The latest report still described a preliminary vote expected on Monday evening. It did not confirm that debate had opened or that the bill had passed.

The package would accelerate approvals for power plants, transmission lines, mines and other infrastructure. Large data centres would have to pay more of the grid-upgrade costs needed to serve them. Supporters argue this could protect electricity customers, but the proposal is not a rule already in force.

UPDATE: The amendments added consultation requirements for Native communities, expanded states' role in transmission planning and utility oversight, changed provisions affecting public-power and cooperative utilities, and proposed assistance for communities dealing with data-centre impacts. Sponsors said the changes strengthened protections.

Tribal and environmental organisations remained concerned. The National Congress of American Indians called for consideration to stop, arguing the bill threatened sovereignty and sacred sites. Environmental groups said the revisions improved the text but left risks to public lands and safeguards.

Senator Jeff Merkley opposed the package, citing gas infrastructure and weaker environmental protections. Catherine Cortez Masto said she would support opening debate but oppose final passage unless historic-preservation provisions were removed. Those are different legislative decisions. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said the amended bill remained under review.

CORRECTION: Earlier coverage said the bill had reached debate. The reporting described an opening vote still expected, not a confirmed vote result, completed debate or final passage.