RELEASE: Breakthrough Institute Celebrates Progress on Bipartisan Permitting Reform

Washington, D.C., September 29, 2026 — The Breakthrough Institute celebrates the progress Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) have made toward a bipartisan permitting reform agreement. As we eagerly await legislative text, the Breakthrough Institute applauds the negotiators’ persistence. 

A strong agreement should provide greater permitting certainty, reform judicial review under the National Environmental Policy Act, improve Clean Water Act Section 401 implementation, and create a credible path for regional and interregional transmission. It should also modernize National Historic Preservation Act reviews for linear infrastructure and provide a clearer path for timely decisions while preserving tribal consultation and historic preservation.

“By the rules of modern politics, this bill shouldn’t exist,” said Alex Trembath, Breakthrough’s Executive Director. “Congress has a rare chance to unlock the next stage of climate policy, stabilize energy prices over the long haul, and reclaim American dynamism. Even getting this far is a monument to the possible.” 

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Media Contact:

Alex Trembath

Executive Director

alex@thebreakthrough.org