(WO) – Executives from ExxonMobil, bp, Chevron and more than a dozen other oil and gas companies are urging Congress to pass the bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, according to statements compiled by the American Petroleum Institute (API). The companies say the bill would modernize a permitting system that has delayed energy infrastructure projects, raised costs and discouraged investment.
“America cannot build the energy projects it needs if approvals take years and outcomes remain uncertain. A timely, predictable permitting process is critical to delivering affordable energy and strengthening U.S. competitiveness,” said ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO Darren Woods.
Producers, midstream operators and service companies all voiced support. “America is not short of energy. We are short of permission to build,” said EQT President and CEO Toby Rice. Enbridge CEO Greg Ebel put it this way: “If we can’t build it, we can’t afford it.” Marathon Petroleum Chairman, President and CEO Maryann Mannen said the bill would “reduce legal barriers for project development, including oil and gas pipeline expansion.”
The companies backing the bill also include bp, ConocoPhillips, Devon Energy, Halliburton, Plains All American, Shell USA, TC Energy, Williams and Woodside Energy. They said greater certainty in the permitting process is essential to unlocking investment and meeting rising energy demand.
The bill was negotiated by White House officials and a bipartisan group of senators: Democrats Martin Heinrich of New Mexico and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, and Republicans Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia and Mike Lee of Utah. The Senate is expected to take it up after November’s midterm elections.
About The Author
