A bipartisan group of lawmakers has finalized the legislative language for a broad overhaul of the US energy permitting process after one year of negotiations. The deal on the text of the "freedom-to-build" bill was reached by four Senate committee leaders and the White House, clearing the path for a potential vote as supporters urge Congress to pass the measure before taking an early recess.

The agreement secures expedited approvals for high-voltage transmission lines and authorizes stalled solar and wind ventures. In return, the legislation limits state-level use of the Clean Water Act to block pipelines and updates the 50 year old National Environmental Policy Act. While Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico disputed White House claims that all Democratic demands were met, he noted the deal includes mandatory ratepayer protections to prevent data centers from driving up electric rates.