Bipartisan Bill Criticized for Weakening National Environmental Policy Act

The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 (BAAJA), introduced by Senators Shelley Moore Capito, Mike Lee, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Martin Heinrich, is facing criticism for being a significant assault on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Critics argue that this 'permitting reform' measure could severely weaken protections under the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act, allowing major projects to proceed with less environmental scrutiny and public input, potentially locking in fossil fuel dominance for generations.