Energy Workforce & Technology Council (EWTC) has urged the United States Congress to advance the bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. This bill, led by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), aims to make changes to the federal licensing process for major energy and infrastructure projects.
Need for Licensing Reforms
Tim Tarpley, President of EWTC, stated: "Businesses, workers, and American consumers have long been waiting for meaningful licensing reforms. Any additional delay means more uncertainty not only for projects and investments but for the jobs that America needs." These remarks clearly highlight the need for reforms that facilitate the approval process for energy projects.
Impact on Energy and Infrastructure Projects
EWTC supports a predictable and efficient federal licensing process that allows energy and infrastructure projects to advance while maintaining environmental review requirements. The U.S. Senate agreement includes provisions to expedite the approval of pipeline projects and other energy infrastructure. It also anticipates changes to environmental reviews and legal challenges associated with federally licensed projects. However, this bill is still under review in Congress and has not yet been passed.
EWTC also referenced the bipartisan SPEED Act, which was passed in the House of Representatives in late 2025 and is considered a related effort to streamline federal licensing procedures. These reforms could help accelerate the implementation of energy projects and provide entrepreneurs and investors with greater confidence to invest in new projects.
