A program to jump-start the use of artificial intelligence in energy permitting, a prohibition on protecting certain mineral-rich lands and fresh tariffs on clean energy components are just a few of the numerous energy and environment proposals that senators are looking to tack onto the annual defense policy bill.
The Senate’s fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, S. 4638, passed committee with bipartisan support in mid-June, already loaded with provisions focused on environmental remediation, climate resilience and mineral production.
Since then, senators have filed more than 1,100 amendments — including about 100 focused on energy security, oil and gas, carbon emissions, electric vehicles, minerals and toxic pollutants.
With precious little floor time remaining before the end of the 118th Congress, they are hoping to use the must-pass defense bill to carry their energy and environment priorities across the finish line.
