NEMA Applauds Senate Progress on Permitting Reform, Urges Congress to Pass Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act

ARLINGTON, Va. - NEMA today welcomed Senate action on the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 and urged Congress to move the bill forward. The legislation would modernize the nation's permitting system, lowering energy costs, accelerating infrastructure projects, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and expanding grid capacity.

"American families need affordable and reliable electricity, and that requires building the energy infrastructure to power a modern economy," said Debra Phillips, NEMA President and CEO. "We commend the bipartisan cooperation of Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), whose leadership has been instrumental in developing this legislation.

"NEMA is pleased that the bill would expedite transmission permitting, require the use of proven advanced transmission technologies, and provide greater legal and investment certainty. The effect is reduced project development costs, timely capacity expansions, and reliability and affordability for American families and businesses. America's electrical manufacturers urge Congress to advance this bill as soon as possible, and get it to the President's desk."

NEMA looks forward to working withs Congress to pass comprehensive, durable permitting reform necessary to building a more affordable, reliable, and resilient American energy system.

###

About NEMA

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) represents over 300 electrical equipment manufacturers that make safe, reliable, and efficient products and technologies that power, connect, and light our world. Together, our members contribute a full 1% of U.S. GDP and directly provide over 590,000 American jobs, adding more than $375 billion to the U.S. economy. Learn more at makeitelectric.org

Press contact: [email protected]