Dear APCA Members,&nbsp;
As you know firsthand, the permitting process is often needlessly drawn out and the lack of modification to federal permitting regulations for the last several decades has only exacerbated those delays. That is why it is so important for you to contact your Senators and Representative and urge them to support the recently introduced <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/5653" target="_self">Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026</a> (S. 5653).
On September 30, 2026, Senators Capito, Heinrich, Lee, and Whitehouse joined together to introduce this bill to reflect bipartisan permitting interests. The historic legislation, if passed, would serve to reduce permitting uncertainty, establish clearer timelines for judicial review, and maintain coordination with states throughout the permit review process under the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/92nd-congress/senate-bill/2770/text?s=6&r=1&hl=Federal+Water+Pollution+Control+Act" target="_self">Clean Water Act</a> (CWA), <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-10352/pdf/COMPS-10352.pdf" target="_self">National Environmental Policy Act </a>(NEPA),<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/93rd-congress/senate-bill/1983" target="_self"> Endangered Species Act </a>(ESA), and the <a href="https://www.achp.gov/sites/default/files/2018-06/nhpa.pdf" target="_self">National</a> <a href="https://www.achp.gov/sites/default/files/2018-06/nhpa.pdf" target="_self">Historic Preservation Act </a>(NHPA).&nbsp;&nbsp;
In the last several years, lawmakers have introduced increasingly expansive legislation aimed at limiting timelines for infrastructure projects and cutting the judicial review windows to lessen the litigation threat to projects. Most recently, in December 2025, the House of Representatives passed the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3898" target="_self">Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today</a> (PERMIT) Act and the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4776" target="_self">Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development</a> (SPEED) Act. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 is the culmination of the House's prior work and recent bipartisan efforts in the Senate.&nbsp;
As with every large bill there is something for every stakeholder to take issue with, but on the whole, this permitting legislation is a giant leap towards meaningful change in improving a now lethargic permitting process. This bill will create wins for Republicans and Democrats alike, and more importantly, for Americans who desire improved energy access at a lower cost.&nbsp;&nbsp;
APCA encourages stakeholders and members to take part in advocating for this unprecedented opportunity to change the permitting system for the better. Contact your legislator today and urge them to pass S. 5653, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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TELL YOUR LEGISLATORS: IT'S TIME TO PASS S. 5653 AND REFORM THE PERMITTING PROCESS

As a constituent and member of the American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA), I respectfully urge you to support swift passage of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 (S. 5653) when Congress returns from the election recess.

Outdated federal permitting rules have delayed critical pipeline and energy infrastructure projects and raised construction costs for decades. Businesses are ready to invest in projects that lower energy costs for consumers, strengthen our economy, and meet rising demand from sources like data centers, but the current permitting process holds them back. S. 5653 is a bipartisan step forward. 

The bill would reform the National Environment Policy Act (NEPA), the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). It would set clearer review deadlines, reduce duplicative federal reviews, narrow the time to challenge permits through litigation, and give developers more certainty once agencies approve their projects. For pipeline construction, it would, among other things, cap state water quality certification reviews for interstate national gas pipelines at nine months, eliminate reviews under NEPA for most pipeline repairs and upgrades, and significantly limit the review area under NHPA.

APCA members build pipelines that deliver energy, water, and other essential resources to communities across the country. Faster, more predictable permitting means more projects built sooner, additional work for employees, and lower energy costs for the people we serve. I urge you to vote to advance this bill and support final passage so it can receive the President’s signature by the end of this year.

Thank you for your leadership on this important issue and your consideration to support this vital legislation.