A bipartisan U.S. Senate bill would reform federal energy permitting by protecting previously issued permits and expanding the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s authority over transmission projects, according to Utility Dive. The legislation also allows energy developers to challenge federal decisions involving potentially unequal treatment based on project type.
The bill includes major transmission reforms, including streamlined regional planning and new rules for large data-center loads. Lawmakers are expected to consider amendments when the Senate returns in November, so key provisions could still change before the legislation advances.
