The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday voted to advance legislation backed by major technology companies seeking faster federal permits for artificial intelligence infrastructure and semiconductor-related projects.

The measure, called the SPEED Act, cleared a key procedural vote 215-209. A final House vote could take place later this week.

Supporters say the bill would help the United States compete with China and other rivals in building AI infrastructure. They also point to growing electricity demand from data centers and strains on an aging power grid.

OpenAI, Meta and Microsoft have supported permitting changes for projects such as data centers, networking and related facilities. Chan Park, head of OpenAI’s U.S. and Canada policy and partnerships, wrote in a letter that a more efficient and predictable permitting process is essential for such investments.

The bill would narrow parts of the 1969 National Environmental Policy Act, which requires federal environmental reviews before permits are issued for projects that could affect the environment. It would tighten deadlines for agency reviews and reduce the ability of the process to delay projects.

The measure would also shorten the statute of limitations for challenging a permit decision from six years to 150 days. Backers say that change would reduce lawsuits that can stall projects for years.

The bill has bipartisan sponsorship from House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., and Rep. Jared Golden, a Maine Democrat. Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., said the U.S. has made it too difficult to build major projects and warned the lack of reform would benefit China.

The Data Center Coalition said permitting reform is needed to grow the U.S. economy and maintain global leadership. Micron said in a letter the bill would accelerate economic development investments and improve the use of federal dollars.

The legislation faces opposition from the House Republican Freedom Caucus over an amendment by Golden that would limit a president’s ability to revoke certain energy permits. Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris, R-Md., said the amendment must be removed.

Some House Democrats said they want stronger assurances for clean energy, while others said the bill undercuts environmental protections. Senate discussions on a separate permitting package are ongoing, and Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., cited talks with Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chair Mike Lee, R-Utah.