WASHINGTON, D.C. – South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds was the only Republican to vote against a Senate procedural measure advancing a major infrastructure permitting reform bill.
The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act would streamline federal permitting for energy and transmission projects, including power lines and carbon dioxide pipelines. Supporters say the legislation would speed project approvals, promote economic growth, and help reduce energy costs.
Rounds said he opposed the bill because of concerns over private property rights. In a statement, he argued the measure could shift authority over disputed transmission line projects from state regulators to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission if cases are not resolved within a year, giving developers an advantage over landowners.
The South Dakota senator joined 23 Democrats and Independent Senator Bernie Sanders in voting against the procedural measure.
The vote does not finalize the legislation. The Senate must still hold additional votes before the bill can become law.
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