Senate Advances Permitting Bill With 73-25 Vote

Federal regulators will set hard deadlines for environmental reviews under a new Senate permitting package. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 passed the Senate on November 9 with a 73-25 vote. The measure now moves to the amendment phase, where lawmakers will debate specific changes before a final vote is scheduled for the week of November 16.

The legislation aims to streamline approvals for energy, transmission, and infrastructure projects. It narrows the scope for legal challenges and expands federal authority over certain interstate electric transmission lines. These changes could reduce delays for agricultural activities that require federal permits, such as timber harvesting and federal grazing. The bill also includes provisions affecting the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act.

Autum Lankford Higgins, the American Farm Bureau Federation director of government affairs, said the organization supports these specific reforms. She noted that the new rules could relieve regulatory burdens for members seeking permits. "There’s a lot of benefits to this bill," Higgins said. "It really can relieve some regulatory burdens for our members as they’re seeking permits for timber harvest or federal grazing permits."

However, the transmission provisions raise concerns for rural property owners. The draft removes existing geographic restrictions on where certain transmission projects can receive federal approval. This expansion could affect a larger number of properties. Higgins pointed out that the bill allows the federal government to use eminent domain in areas where it previously could not.

A primary concern for the Farm Bureau is the short timeline for public input. The proposed process gives farmers, ranchers, and landowners a limited window to respond after receiving notification of a potential project. Higgins stated, "There’s a very short comment period from when farmers, ranchers and landowners are notified of these potential projects before they have time to engage."

The organization is working with lawmakers to add safeguards for adequate notice and participation. It also seeks greater clarity on the Clean Water Act, specifically regarding the definition of federally regulated waters and agricultural stormwater exemptions. State Farm Bureau organizations are currently engaged in the effort to ensure agricultural interests are represented as the bill moves forward.

The Senate will take up amendments and final passage in the coming week. The legislation must still advance through the House to become law. Higgins said the bill’s path through the lower chamber remains uncertain.