Republican and Democratic senators have reached a bipartisan agreement to accelerate federal permitting for energy and infrastructure projects facing yearslong delays, as electricity demand grows with the expansion of AI data centers. The measure would limit legal challenges under the National Environmental Policy Act and National Historic Preservation Act, ease siting for interstate transmission lines, and strengthen the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's role in coordinating reviews. Data centers would be required to cover all associated transmission costs rather than shifting them to households or businesses. A Senate vote is not expected until after the midterm elections, with supporters targeting a November lame-duck session. The deal has drawn support from business and environmental groups as well as the White House, but environmental advocates warn it could weaken protections and judicial review. Democrats are also seeking assurances that President Donald Trump's administration will not block wind and solar projects.