NEWS: BAAJA is back in action. But the permitting bill faces a bumpy road ahead.

The latest: Last night, the Senate voted 73-25 to advance the bipartisan permitting reform bill, which received plenty of last-minute edits over the weekend.

The revisions: Some appear to address utility industry concerns, policy wonks noted. For example, the edited bill allows FERC to reject states’ calls to investigate local transmission planning. Dive into the amendments here.

The support: The Edison Electric Institute praised the amendments, applauding lawmakers’ “willingness to work with EEI and our member companies to strengthen and clarify BAAJA.” President Trump has also gotten onboard with the refreshed bill, calling it a “big win for US energy independence and dominance.”

The backlash: The amended version has drawn criticism from preservation organizations, Native communities, and environmental advocates, who say that BAAJA still contains provisions that would threaten ecosystem protections and Tribal sovereignty.

What’s next: Now, senators will debate the bill...and likely add even more amendments. For BAAJA to become law, it must pass the Senate and House (and get President Trump’s signature) by year’s end. ⏱️