CEN Applauds Congressional Action to Advance Permitting Reform

Contact: Joanna Lewis, jlewis@conservativeenergynetwork.org

September 30, 2026 – WASHINGTON, D.C. — Conservative Energy Network CEO John Szoka and Deputy Director of Policy Cole Howard issued the following statements today regarding the introduction of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, a key piece of legislation aimed at modernizing federal permitting and removing barriers to building critical energy infrastructure. The legislation reflects CEN’s broader approach to meeting America’s energy needs: Build More. Build Smarter. Build Faster.

John Szoka, CEO:

“America cannot achieve energy dominance if we cannot build the infrastructure needed to produce and deliver energy. This bill represents meaningful progress toward a permitting system that provides greater certainty, respects the role of states, and allows projects to be evaluated on their merits. By making it easier to build critical energy infrastructure, Congress can unlock American investment, strengthen reliability, lower costs, and ensure our energy system is prepared to meet growing demand.”

Cole Howard, Deputy Director of Policy:

“A modern energy system requires a permitting process that is efficient, predictable and capable of meeting growing demand. This bill takes important steps toward removing unnecessary delays while preserving meaningful review periods and opportunities for state and local participation. Clearer processes and greater certainty help move needed projects from planning to construction while giving utilities, developers, communities, and consumers greater certainty. We commend congressional leaders for advancing a practical approach to modernizing how America permits and builds critical infrastructure.”

For more than two years, CEN has worked with policymakers, partners, and stakeholders to advance permitting reforms that provide greater certainty, reduce unnecessary delays, and make it possible to build the energy infrastructure America needs. CEN will continue advancing practical reforms that strengthen reliability and affordability, support economic growth, and ensure the nation’s energy system can keep pace with growing demand.

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Conservative Energy Network (CEN) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit coalition of state-based conservative clean energy organizations advancing policy solutions that emphasize market competition, consumer choice, and innovation. Learn more at www.conservativeenergynetwork.org.