Statement of Nathaniel Keohane
President, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions
September 30, 2026
On introduction of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026
“With the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, Congress takes a critical step forward in modernizing our nation’s electric grid – and, by doing so, boosting economic growth and competitiveness, enhancing national security, reducing emissions, and helping provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy for everyone.
“We need to build new energy infrastructure in America, and build it fast, to meet the challenges and opportunities of the moment. These reforms will help make that possible.
“Thanks to bipartisan leadership in the U.S. Senate, Congress has an opportunity this year to pass durable, lasting legislation that will make it easier to build new transmission lines and connect power to the grid, getting more energy faster to businesses and consumers across America. Investors and developers of energy projects will be able to count on their permits once granted, and these projects will benefit from faster and better-coordinated environmental reviews that maintain meaningful environmental and community protections.
“C2ES looks forward to engaging in the debate, leveraging our expertise and trusted relationships to rally businesses, communities, and policymakers behind a deal that will finally bring our nation’s electric grid into the 21st century.”
Additional Background
The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 would require neighboring regions to jointly identify and plan for transmission needs across regional boundaries – a vital reform that will unlock the full potential of existing resources and open the door to vast untapped clean energy across the country. Interregional planning coupled with targeted federal authority will help ensure that the transmission projects most likely to lower costs and increase reliability are built. At a time when electricity demand is rising for the first time in decades, this proposal will reduce wasted electricity, improve system efficiency, slash emissions, and ultimately lower costs for consumers.
The legislation also secures much needed certainty and confidence for companies building in America, offering a durable, technology-neutral framework that protects lawfully issued permits from political interference. Stronger protections will ensure American companies can earn a fair return from their clean energy investments.
Finally, the legislation includes common-sense reforms to the NEPA process., focused on the material effects of a proposed project. More predictable reviews and sensible reforms to litigation of projects can help clean energy infrastructure move forward more quickly while maintaining meaningful environmental and community protections.
Beyond these priorities, Congressional leaders have worked out a path forward on historically challenging and politically fraught topics, from the Clean Water Act to the National Historic Preservation Act and more. These good-faith negotiations have put us closer than ever before to fixing the current permitting system that has held the U.S. economy and clean energy back for far too long.
To speak with a C2ES expert, contact Tim Carroll at press@c2es.org.
About C2ES: The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) works to secure a safe and stable climate by accelerating the global transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and a thriving, just, and resilient economy. Founded in 1998 as the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, C2ES advances practical, innovative, and durable climate and energy solutions through policy analysis, business engagement, and bipartisan collaboration.
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