The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act is being considered by the Senate.

To its supporters, including some Democrats motivated by a desire to fast-track renewable energy development, the bill provides “streamlining” of environmental laws to reduce costs of project permitting and increase certainty for investors.

To its detractors, including this week’s guest, Marlyn Twitchell of the Western Environmental Law Center, the law is a dangerous rollback of environmental laws. Because the law is energy- and technology-neutral — meaning that it applies to more than just renewables but basically every major project on federal lands — it means that its not just renewables that could be expedited, from data centers to ICE detention facilities. 

Want to learn more? Here’s analysis from the Western Environmental Law Center, Earthjustice, and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Want to take action? Send an email to Senators Schiff and Padilla here.

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