# Senate Advances Federal Permitting Reform

The Senate voted 73–25 to advance the proposed Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, while a nationwide poll found that 51% of respondents preferred Congress to consider the energy-permitting legislation in the new year. The measure has not become law, leaving potential changes to project permitting timelines and transmission-cost requirements uncertain. The National Association of Manufacturers estimates permitting currently costs manufacturers more than $12 billion annually and says the bill could reduce those costs by 35%, or about $4.23 billion per year.

- The legislation could affect the schedules and costs of manufacturing, energy-infrastructure, and data-center projects, but there is no confirmed change to current permitting rules.
- Companies planning affected projects should assess how possible changes to permitting timelines and transmission-cost requirements could alter project assumptions; the Senate action is not a procurement notice or contract opportunity.
- The poll’s preference for consideration in the new year highlights uncertainty over legislative timing. Contractors should account for that uncertainty in project planning rather than assume the proposed reforms will take effect.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Policy, Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** November 13, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Senate (Senate)
- U.S. Congress (Congress)
- Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW)

### Sources
- [Manufacturers applaud Senate drive to reform 'broken' permitting system](https://www.fox23.com/news/nation-world/manufacturers-applaud-senate-drive-to-reform-broken-permitting-system) - KOKI FOX 23