Politics
Senate schedules procedural vote on Baaja bill amid environmental opposition
The Guardian reports that the Baaja bill faces an initial Senate procedural vote Monday as environmental groups oppose it.
The short version
- The Senate is scheduled to hold an initial procedural vote Monday on the Baaja bill.[The Guardian]
- Earthjustice, Sierra Club and the ACLU oppose the bill, saying it would significantly weaken environmental laws.[The Guardian]
- Trump urged all senators to back the bill, and its Democratic sponsors say they have the votes.[The Guardian]
- House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries says the bill falls short in several areas and he will not rubber-stamp it.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- The Senate is scheduled for an initial procedural vote Monday on the Baaja bill.[The Guardian]
- Donald Trump urged all senators to vote for the 417-page bill.[The Guardian]
- Earthjustice, Sierra Club and the ACLU oppose the bill, citing its likely weakening of environmental laws including NEPA.[The Guardian]
- House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries said the bill falls short in several areas, including tribal sovereignty.[The Guardian]
- Democratic sponsors Senators Martin Heinrich and Sheldon Whitehouse said Monday they have the votes to pass the bill.[The Guardian]
- Rhodium Group's analysis found that domestic emissions would go down if the Baaja bill passes.[The Guardian]
- A model by Purdue engineering professor Kevin Kircher found the bill would increase domestic emissions.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- Estimates of the bill's emissions effects conflict: Rhodium Group projects a decline, while Kevin Kircher's model projects an increase.[The Guardian]
- Sponsors say they have the votes, but Jeffries has said he will not rubber-stamp the legislation, so its path remains unclear.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Senate votes on bill to speed up projects from gas pipelines to clean energyThe Guardian - Environment
- Permitting Reform Is Heading Into a Key Vote With an Unsteady CoalitionThe Washington Sun
- Senate weighs sweeping energy legislation in first major action since midterm electionsAssociated Press
- Senate advances bill to speed up permit reviews for infrastructure projectsThe Guardian - US
- Senate advances sweeping energy legislation in first major action since midterm electionsABC News - US News
- US Senate advances major bill boosting energy infrastructureAl Jazeera