Daily on Energy: Permitting deal deadline maneuvering

Callie Patteson and Maydeen MerinoSeptember 17, 2026

Today, house lawmakers have left Washington, D.C., to campaign ahead of the upcoming midterm elections in 47 days, while senators remain in town wrapping up legislative business. The Senate is actively working on key priorities such as permitting reform and alleviating costs for homeowners related to data centers.Simultaneously occurring, officials from the Trump administration have dismissed the possibility of banning diesel exports despite rising fuel prices. This update is part of the “Daily on Energy” newsletter, providing energy and environment news contributed by Callie Patteson and Maydeen Merino. Additionally, the newsletter promotes Washington Examiner subscriptions, emphasizing trusted reporting and unlimited access to news, analysis, and commentary, with options to subscribe or log in for existing members.

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY: Good afternoon and happy Thursday, readers! House lawmakers have left D.C. to hit the campaign trails ahead of the midterm elections, which are just 47 days away. 🗳️ But senators are still in town and are wrapping up some business before they head back to their constituents.

🏛️📃⚡ The Senate is racing to tackle several major priorities before breaking ahead of the midterm elections, including permitting reform and preventing homeowners from feeling the cost of data centers. We dive into both below.
⛽💲📈 Plus, Trump administration officials are dismissing the idea of a ban on diesel exports, even as prices soar. Keep reading to see what Energy Secretary Chris Wright had to say.

Welcome to Daily on Energy, written by Washington Examiner energy and environment writers Callie Patteson (@CalliePatteson) and Maydeen Merino (@MaydeenMerino). Email cpatteson@washingtonexaminer dot com or mmerino@washingtonexaminer dot com for tips, suggestions, calendar items, and anything else. If a friend sent this to you and you’d like to sign up, click here. If signing up doesn’t work, shoot us an email, and we’ll add you to our list.