A bipartisan group of US senators introduced comprehensive legislation to speed up energy and infrastructure projects by streamlining federal permit reviews, expanding opportunities to develop transmission lines and reducing litigation delays that often stall major investments. The proposed Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 was introduced by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) and Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico).
It aims to reform the federal permitting process as rising electricity demand drives substantial investment in generation, transmission and grid modernization nationwide. A central element is electric transmission infrastructure, with provisions on transmission permitting and planning, generator interconnection queues, advanced transmission technologies and offshore transmission systems. Proponents say the reforms would help modernize the national grid and better serve growing demand from data centers, new manufacturing facilities and broader electrification efforts.
The proposal could be particularly important for Puerto Rico, where efforts to strengthen and modernize the grid have been delayed by regulatory, interconnection and permitting challenges. Faster federal reviews and greater interagency coordination could speed new renewable energy projects, battery storage systems and transmission upgrades. The bill would create a unified federal review framework, formally designate lead permitting agencies and require agencies to standardize procedures.
It would also create a tracking system for environmental reviews and permits to increase transparency and accountability. Judicial review provisions tied to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act would speed permit-related litigation and give more certainty once approvals are granted.