IEC Ramps Up Advocacy for Bipartisan Permitting Reform: Member Engagement Critical Following Elections
America needs to build more and build faster. With electricity demand surging, new data centers and manufacturing facilities coming online, and significant investments needed to modernize the electric grid, an efficient and predictable federal permitting process is essential to getting critical infrastructure projects built and putting skilled electricians to work.
Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) is stepping up its advocacy efforts to advance the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 (S. 5653), comprehensive permitting reform legislation introduced by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.Mex.). The legislation would streamline federal environmental reviews, establish more predictable permitting timelines, reduce certain litigation-related delays, and provide greater certainty for projects after permits are approved.
“Electrical contractors are ready to meet the tremendous growth happening across our country, but we need a permitting system that allows critical projects to move forward with greater certainty and efficiency,” IEC Executive Director Amy Biedenharn said in an October 7 IEC statement. “Our members are building the infrastructure that powers communities, data centers, manufacturing, and economic growth. Bipartisan permitting reform is an important step toward ensuring we can put skilled people to work and build the energy infrastructure America needs.”
IEC has been actively engaged in building support for permitting reform through direct congressional advocacy, coalition efforts, and grassroots mobilization. The association previously supported several House permitting reform measures through grassroots campaigns, its 2026 Policy Conference, and coalition lobbying activities. IEC also joined recent coalition letters supporting BAAJA, bringing the collective voice of the business community and infrastructure stakeholders to Congress in support of a bipartisan solution.
On November 7, IEC sent a letter to the U.S. Senate urging lawmakers to advance BAAJA during the post-election session and oppose amendments that could undermine the carefully negotiated bipartisan agreement. The letter emphasizes the importance of permitting reform to electrical contractors, the nation’s growing electricity needs, and the skilled workforce required to build new generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure.
The Elections Make Member Engagement Even More Important
Following the November 3 elections, the legislative outlook for permitting reform remains uncertain. Congressional leaders have a busy lame duck agenda to address during the 20 remaining days the Senate is scheduled to be in session over the remainer of the 119th Congress. The incoming 120th Congress will bring different legislative priorities, committee chairs, and political dynamics that are likely to undermine passage of BAAJA. With limited Senate floor time, a 60-vote threshold to advance the legislation, and the need for House approval, the window to enact BAAJA before the end of the year is narrow.
This is not the time for IEC members to sit on the sidelines. The bipartisan agreement negotiated by the four Senate sponsors represents a significant opportunity to address permitting challenges that have persisted for decades. Allowing this opportunity to slip away could mean years of additional delays and uncertainty for the infrastructure projects America’s electrical contractors are ready to build.
IEC Needs Your Voice
IEC has an active grassroots campaign asking members to contact their U.S. senators and urge them to support and swiftly advance BAAJA. Member participation is essential to demonstrating that permitting reform is a priority for the electrical contracting industry and the communities that depend on reliable, affordable electricity.
Take action today: Visit the IEC Advocacy Action Center to contact your senators and urge them to pass bipartisan permitting reform legislation known as BAAJA before the end of the year.