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Daily on Energy: Burgum bangs BAAJA drum
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum urged senators to pass the BAAJA permitting bill, saying its text would ensure wind and solar projects are treated equally under the law. His comments downplayed President Donald Trump’s stated opposition to approving new wind turbine permits, highlighting uncertainty over how the administration would apply the legislation.
The Senate voted 73-25 to limit debate and advance the nearly 500-page bill towards a final vote. Of the 25 senators opposing the motion, 24 were Democrats and one was Republican Mike Rounds, who objected to a provision shifting some transmission-line siting authority from states to the federal government. Some senators who supported advancing the bill said they had not committed to backing final passage.
In short
- Burgum says BAAJA guarantees equal treatment for wind and solar.
- Trump said he would not approve permits for new wind turbines.
- The Senate advanced the bill by 73 votes to 25.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that a clear, even-handed permitting framework could reduce delays and give wind and solar developers greater certainty, helping expand energy supply and investment. They may also see federal authority over some transmission lines as necessary to coordinate projects that cross state borders, while noting that advancing the bill allows senators to debate its details before deciding on final passage.
The case against
Critics may argue that the bill’s nearly 500 pages and uncertain application under an administration opposed to new wind permits make it difficult to know whether it would deliver fair treatment in practice. They may also oppose shifting transmission-line siting authority from states to the federal government, seeing local decision-making as important for weighing land use and community concerns; support for advancing the bill does not necessarily signal support for its final passage.