US Bipartisan Energy Permitting Bill Faces Dwindling Prospects Amid AI Data Center Scrutiny

The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (BAAJA) faces an uncertain path in Congress, with TD Cowen lowering its estimated probability of passage from 40% before the election to 25%. Introduced in late September, the bill aims to streamline NEPA reviews and fast-track high-voltage transmission lines to support AI data centers, while requiring operators with at least 20 megawatts of capacity to shoulder grid upgrade and electricity costs. Despite an endorsement from Donald Trump, opposition from environmentalists and congressional Democrats creates hurdles as markets assess potential computing infrastructure oversight.