A bipartisan group of senators introduced the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 on September 30. The proposal would revise aspects of federal project reviews and permitting, seeking faster decisions and greater predictability for energy, transmission and other infrastructure. Backers say costly delays discourage construction and raise energy costs. Opponents of weaker review warn that rushed projects can impose pollution, land-use and community harms that are costly or impossible to reverse. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) establishes procedures for federal agencies to examine environmental consequences before certain federal actions. A more predictable review clock could help investment, but the rules for public participation, analysis of alternatives and judicial review determine whether residents can detect problems and challenge inadequate decisions. Congressional negotiators must balance the cost of delay with the need to make long-lasting projects accountable. The proposed bill is not already enacted; its terms and prospects may change. Waiting years for a power line has costs, just as rushing through a damaging project has costs. I want predictable federal deadlines without making judicial review or the National Environmental Policy Act an empty ritual. The strongest reform should identify which checks actually prevent harm and which delays add paperwork without improving the decision.