WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — A major Senate permitting package could change how energy and infrastructure projects are approved nationwide, including projects that affect farmland. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) supports several proposed reforms but says the legislation needs additional protections for farmers, ranchers and rural landowners.
AFBF Director of Government Affairs Autum Lankford Higgins joined Market Day Report to explain what the legislation would change, where Farm Bureau sees benefits and what concerns remain for agricultural landowners.
Permitting Reforms Could Reduce Regulatory Delays
The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 is designed to streamline federal reviews and approvals for energy, transmission and infrastructure projects.
Higgins said the legislation establishes deadlines for environmental reviews and permits, narrows the scope of legal challenges and expands federal authority over certain interstate electric transmission projects.
She said Farm Bureau supports several provisions involving the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act and National Historic Preservation Act.
The changes could help reduce regulatory delays for agricultural activities that require federal permits, including timber harvesting and federal grazing.
“There’s a lot of benefits to this bill,” Higgins said. “It really can relieve some regulatory burdens for our members as they’re seeking permits for timber harvest or federal grazing permits.”
Transmission Lines Raise Landowner Concerns
While Farm Bureau supports efforts to make permitting more efficient, Higgins said the transmission provisions raise concerns about expanding federal authority to use eminent domain.
She said the legislation removes existing geographic restrictions on where certain transmission projects could receive federal approval, potentially expanding the number of properties affected.
Another concern involves the timeline for state and local governments to review proposed projects before federal authority could take effect.
Higgins said the proposed process also leaves farmers, ranchers and landowners with a limited window to respond after being notified of a potential project.
“There’s a very short comment period from when farmers, ranchers and landowners are notified of these potential projects before they have time to engage,” she said.
Farm Bureau wants additional safeguards to ensure landowners have adequate notice and opportunities to participate in decisions affecting their property.
The organization’s broader assessment also identifies a need for greater Clean Water Act clarity, particularly regarding the definition of federally regulated waters and agricultural stormwater exemptions.
Farm Bureau Working on Amendments
Higgins said the Senate has begun the debate and amendment process, giving Farm Bureau an opportunity to work with lawmakers on changes addressing the organization’s concerns.
She said state Farm Bureau organizations are also engaged in the effort to ensure agricultural interests are represented as the legislation moves forward.
The Senate voted 73-25 on November 9, 2026, to advance consideration of the permitting package. As of November 12, additional votes were expected the following week, when senators were scheduled to consider amendments and take up final passage. The legislation would still need to advance through the House before it could become law.
Higgins said the bill’s path through the House remains uncertain.
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