Senate permitting reform passes first test

Senators voted 73-25 to advance the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act toward a full debate on the floor. If passed, it would accelerate development of energy projects from gas pipeline construction to solar and wind farms.

Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), a co-sponsor of the bill, has faced scrutiny from constituents for supporting a measure that would drastically impact environmental laws and tribal sovereignty on any development projects.

“Negotiating this bill hasn’t been easy and took a lot of compromise,” Heinrich said in a statement after the bill passed the procedural vote on Monday. “Now, we need to roll up our sleeves, engage in the amendment process, and work across party lines to get this done.”

If passed, the bill would have to go to the House for approval of any changes made. House progressives are pushing back against BAAJA, calling for the bill to go through Congress after newly elected members are sworn in. However, supporters, including President Donald Trump, say the window to pass the bill with bipartisan support will close in 2027.

Tribal leaders remain steadfast to their opposition to the bill, arguing it narrows Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, a law that tribes have used to protect sacred sites from development.

Acoma Pueblo Gov. Charles Riley and other tribal leaders shared their disappointment after the vote on Monday.

“Congress has done this before,” Riley said in a statement. “Removal, allotment, termination: each was decided in Washington, about us, without us. Each time, Tribes were treated as something Congress could set aside.”