Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026
Sets federal environmental-review deadlines and changes permitting rules for water, wildlife, energy and infrastructure projects.
In the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee since Sept. 30, 2026, 13 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 30, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- SENATESENATE—
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Federal projects may need environmental reviews and permits before agencies can make decisions about them. The bill would change which projects receive federal environmental review and set deadlines for reviews and permit decisions. It would also revise rules for water, wildlife, energy and transmission projects, as well as historic preservation.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Change which projects get environmental review
The bill would narrow the definition of a major federal action and exclude some activities, including certain projects with little federal involvement and some infrastructure repairs. It would also let agencies rely on certain state, Tribal, or other federal reviews, and would bar another agency from preparing an environmental document when the lead agency decides one is not required.
- Set deadlines for federal reviews
The lead agency would coordinate participating agencies and prepare a schedule for reviews and authorizations. The bill sets time limits for environmental assessments and impact statements, and for agencies to decide on outstanding permits after those documents are completed.
- Revise water and wildlife permitting
The bill would change parts of the Clean Water Act covering water quality criteria, permits, state certification and permit terms. It would also revise Endangered Species Act consultation timelines, permitting in existing operating rights-of-way, state consultation responsibilities and listing decisions.
- Change energy and transmission rules
The bill covers electric transmission permitting and planning, generator interconnection, and federal energy leasing and permitting. Its energy provisions also address renewable energy, geothermal, hydropower, offshore energy and mining mill sites.
- Address project permits and historic preservation
The bill includes provisions on maintaining federal permits for projects with non-federal sponsors and avoiding unreasonable permitting delays. It also addresses historic preservation and the Historic Preservation Fund.
The bill would change both the scope and timing of federal environmental reviews. That can affect how soon agencies decide on projects and which environmental analyses inform those decisions.
The practical stakes include how federal agencies weigh environmental effects, how project sponsors navigate permits, and how state, Tribal and local governments participate in reviews.
Written from an excerpt of the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 30, 2026SENATESEP 30, 2026By Sen. Capito with 3 original cosponsorsReferred to Energy and Natural Resources
- SAME DAYNOWSenate committeeSEP 30, 2026ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES NOWSEP 30, 2026In committee for 13 daysNo hearing yet
- 13 DAYS SO FARPassed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- House committee—HOUSE—
- Passed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- SEP 302026SEP 30, 2026REFERREDRead twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- SEP 302026SEP 30, 2026INTRODUCEDSENATEIntroduced in Senate
At day 13, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
A coalition from 3 states
Plus the sponsor, a Republican. The smaller side has 1 member.
Plus the sponsor, a Republican. The smaller side has 1 member.
Sen. Capito’s record: sponsored 29 bills this Congress. 6 passed the Senate; 1 became law.
- Martin HeinrichD-NMORIGINAL
- Mike LeeR-UTORIGINAL
- Sheldon WhitehouseD-RIORIGINAL
Coverage at a glance
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