1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing to express my opposition to the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 and any permitting deal under this Congress that aids AI data center and fossil fuel expansion while weakening community engagement, Tribal consultation, transparency, or judicial review. Gas plants and data centers driving their demand will benefit most. The amount of gas generation serving data centers exploded from 4 gigawatts in early 2024 to over 189 gigawatts today—25% more than is needed to power all US homes. The deal accelerates this buildout by streamlining permits for pipelines and transmission lines, weakening authority under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, and limiting federal review. Behind-the-meter provisions make powering data centers with methane gas more profitable, creating a backdoor for fossil fuels that locks us into polluting infrastructure. If passed, the American people will be completely screwed with zero recourse. It strips communities of fundamental democratic rights while fast-tracking hyperscale projects that threaten our health. Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities already face disproportionate industrial harms; this deal weakens their voice further by making projects harder to challenge, narrowing who can bring a lawsuit, and limiting the ability of states, Tribes, and courts to halt harmful projects. The deal also prevents future administrations from delaying or blocking permits for entire classes of energy projects. Even if future leaders want to protect communities, they would be barred from doing so. Despite sponsors' claims, limited ratepayer protections do not ensure companies pay all data center costs or that household bills fall. It leaves communities facing massive public health consequences, broader electricity system costs, and water infrastructure demands. I strongly urge you to oppose the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. We must protect environmental and public health protections, not eviscerate them. Please stand with hard-working families, not with polluters and billion-dollar industries.