October 20, 2026
Pittsburgh Works Together Statement on the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act
On behalf of the board and members of Pittsburgh Works Together, a coalition of corporations, economic development organizations, trade unions, and manufacturing unions, we write in strong support of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act. Our members include energy companies, gas and electric utilities, manufacturers, chambers of commerce, construction trade unions, and United Steelworkers District 10, all of which have significant operations and employment across southwestern Pennsylvania and the greater Appalachian region.
This historic bipartisan permitting modernization legislation would update key federal laws to help our economy, reduce costs, strengthen national security, and improve our quality of life while continuing to protect the environment.
America faces significant challenges, including rising consumer costs, energy affordability concerns, growing global competition, and the need for substantial investment in critical infrastructure. Modernizing the federal permitting system is an important step toward addressing these challenges.
This legislation reflects broad bipartisan recognition that our current permitting framework is antiquated and no longer meets the needs of a modern economy. The House has laid important groundwork, and the Senate has introduced bipartisan legislation that should be approved and sent to the President.
Infrastructure projects critical for our nation’s economy are slowed by lengthy reviews, duplicative processes, uncertain timelines, and prolonged litigation. The result is higher costs, delayed infrastructure, reduced private-sector investment, and missed opportunities for workers, communities, and consumers. Here in southwestern Pennsylvania, these challenges have contributed to the loss of billions of dollars in potential energy and manufacturing investment.
The reforms included in the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act preserve environmental protections while improving transparency, predictability, and accountability. Importantly, the legislation is energy-neutral and supports the development of infrastructure necessary to meet our nation's needs, including energy production and delivery systems, manufacturing facilities, transportation networks, ports, waterways, critical minerals projects, and other essential infrastructure.
We respectfully urge Congress to bring the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act to the floor this fall and advance it to the President's desk. This legislation offers a rare bipartisan opportunity to strengthen our economy, improve affordability, encourage domestic investment, enhance energy security, and restore America's ability to build the infrastructure necessary for long-term prosperity.
Pittsburgh Works Together is a business-organized labor-workforce-economic development alliance working to grow jobs and expand the industries that are the foundation of our economy, including energy, manufacturing, and construction, to provide opportunity for all residents.
Ken Zapinski
Director of Research & Public Policy
ken@pghworks.com
412-352-4364
