Blue Dog Statement on Bipartisan Permitting Reform Agreement

WASHINGTON D.C. - The Blue Dog Coalition issued the following statement following the release of the Senate negotiated Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 to reform America's outdated permitting process:

"Americans' electricity bills keep rising, while the additional energy production and transmission capacity needed to reduce costs languish in regulatory limbo.

For years, Blue Dogs in Congress have repeatedly pushed bipartisan permitting reform proposals only to see them stall before reaching the finish line. We are hopeful this breakthrough in the Senate will end the cycle of delay and inaction. Congress must clear the logjam and move permitting reform forward, not punt the issue to a future Congress.

With support from members across the political spectrum, this legislation represents America's best opportunity to pass a comprehensive permitting package that finally unlocks America's economic potential. We urge House and Senate leadership to bring this bill to the floor for a vote in November."

Background: This legislation contains key components from the Blue Dog Endorsed Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act, a bipartisan bill to streamline the permitting process, implement reasonable timelines, and return the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to its intended purpose as a procedural review for assessing the environmental impact of federal actions.

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ABOUT THE COALITION: The Blue Dog Coalition is an official caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives composed of fiscally-responsible Democrats, who are leading the way to find common-sense solutions. They are pragmatic Democrats, appealing to mainstream values of the American public. The Blue Dogs are dedicated to pursuing fiscally-responsible policies, ensuring a strong national defense for our country, and transcending party lines to get things done for the American people.