Expedited approvals for high voltage transmission lines and restrictions on the Clean Water Act are the centerpieces of a new energy authorization agreement reached by congressional leaders and the White House. The "freedom-to-build" package grants Senate Democrats faster clearance for renewable energy grids while permitting Republicans to limit state-level use of the Clean Water Act to block pipeline developments and modify the 50 year old National Environmental Policy Act, according to a GOP summary of the draft deal.

The agreement follows a year of work by 4 Senate committee leaders and a commitment from President Trump to authorize stalled solar ventures and clear a Department of Defense queue of delayed onshore wind projects. Senator Mike Lee and other supporters are now pressing Congress to vote on the legislation immediately to lower energy costs before members take an early vacation.