Four Senate Democrats are pressing Trump officials to begin restoring billions of dollars in clean energy grants before a key vote on the permitting deal.

Why it matters: The path for the bipartisan bill in the lame duck session just got steeper.

The big picture: Before the first vote, the senators — Tammy Duckworth (Ill.), Ron Wyden (Ore.), Ed Markey (Mass.), and Jeff Merkley (Ore.) — want Trump aides to tell the Energy Department to:

Begin reinstating grants terminated in October 2025 that have not already been restored with a clear timeline for completion, and allow recipients to draw on the funds under the original terms.

Pledge in writing not to cancel grants based on the political hue of a state or its officials.

Driving the news: Their new letter to the bill's authors stops shy of an ultimatum, but says it would be "compelling" if these steps occurred.

It shows deep misgivings about the bill, arguing it could provide new tools for Trump to favor fossil fuels.

"[T]he promise of BAAJA will only…