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Bipartisan Senate Deal Answers Manufacturers’ Call for Permitting Reform

By NAM NewsroomSeptember 30, 2026

Bipartisan Senate permitting reform deal

Today, key Senate negotiators introduced the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, a long-awaited bipartisan permitting reform deal, following persistent advocacy from the NAM on behalf of this top priority for manufacturers.

  • The NAM has underscored the urgent need for comprehensive permitting reform through its “Building to Win” campaign and its landmark “America on Hold” report, which found that America’s broken permitting system costs manufacturers $8 billion every year. The NAM called for specific reforms—including faster, more predictable reviews and NEPA reforms—and key elements of those priorities are reflected in the bipartisan Senate deal unveiled today, demonstrating the impact of the NAM’s sustained advocacy.

The NAM says: “Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mike Lee (R-UT) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) have brokered a bipartisan breakthrough that delivers long-overdue reforms to our nation’s permitting process, while maintaining America’s commitment to environmental stewardship,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons.

  • “Comprehensive permitting reform will unleash growth and investment across the board. This agreement will benefit energy projects of every type, help bring critical infrastructure online faster and deliver on permitting reform priorities for all manufacturers—large and small.”
  • “Manufacturers are all in on this game-changing agreement and getting it across the finish line. Our nation’s permitting system is outdated and burdensome, delaying projects across industries and contributing to rising costs across the economy.”
  • “Costly, duplicative permitting delays are costing manufacturers $8 billion annually, limiting manufacturers’ ability to hire new workers, build and expand their operations. Removing these barriers would unlock greater investment and growth. Manufacturers are ready to build, and modernized permitting will help us race to the future.”

The bottom line: “This is an opportunity Congress should seize. We urge Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to act and for all senators to advance critical permitting reforms—and once the Senate acts, for the House to move expeditiously to get this legislation across the finish line. Manufacturers need a faster, more predictable and more cost-effective permitting process to get shovels in the ground, create jobs and strengthen manufacturing in America,” Timmons urged.