# Senate Considers Permitting Reform Bill

On November 12, 2026, Senate Majority Leader John Thune backed the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act as the Senate considered the proposed federal permitting changes. The Kentucky Chamber urged Congress to pass the bill before the end of 2026, citing permitting delays as a barrier to energy and infrastructure investment. The proposal would set permitting review deadlines and limit certain legal challenges; it would also make data centers responsible for energy and infrastructure costs associated with their construction and operation, extend certain Clean Water Act permits for farmers, and speed some grazing-related reviews. The bill has not been enacted, and the signals identify no active procurement or contract opportunity.

- If enacted, the proposed review deadlines and limits on certain legal challenges could affect schedules and permitting risk for energy, infrastructure, and data-center projects.
- Data-center developers and contractors should assess the proposed allocation of energy and infrastructure costs when evaluating project economics; it is not a current requirement while the bill remains under consideration.
- Infrastructure and energy firms can distinguish the proposal’s potential future effects from current solicitations and permitting obligations when planning bids and project schedules.

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

### Government Entities
- U.S. Congress (Congress)
- U.S. Senate (Senate)

### Key Quotes
> For starters, it would require that data centers shoulder the energy costs associated with their operation and construction – whether that’s day-to-day running costs or the cost of additional infrastructure.
> — John Thune, U.S. Senate Majority Leader

### Sources
- [Kentucky Chamber Urges Congressional Delegation to Support Bipartisan Permitting Reform - The Bottom Line](https://kychamberbottomline.com/2026/11/12/kentucky-chamber-urges-congressional-delegation-to-support-bipartisan-permitting-reform) - The Bottom Line
- [Thune on Congress’ Generational Opportunity to Reform the Permitting Process, Lower Energy Costs](https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-on-congress-generational-opportunity-to-reform-the-permitting-process-lower-energy-costs/) - Thune Senate