FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 4, 2026
CONTACT:
Chrissy Harbin, Miranda Dabney
WTAS: Momentum Builds Behind Armstrong’s Push to Get America Building Again
Lawmakers, labor, energy producers, manufacturers, clean-energy developers and policy leaders are rallying around comprehensive permitting reform.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Support is growing for Senator Alan Armstrong’s (R-OK) campaign to modernize America’s broken permitting system and clear the way for the energy, mineral, manufacturing, transmission and infrastructure projects the country needs. Armstrong has made comprehensive permitting reform a central focus of his Senate service.
The message from across the political and economic spectrum is increasingly clear: America cannot compete, lower costs or strengthen national security if it cannot build. Even voices on the progressive left are acknowledging that opponents have become better at stopping projects than delivering them.
Sen. Armstrong hosted a standing-room-only event in June featuring a bipartisan, bicameral roundup of Congressional leaders and a panel of speakers from across the energy industry. He then introduced the American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure (AEMI) Act, with strong support from Senate colleagues and industry stakeholders alike. The bill has drawn support from organizations spanning traditional and renewable energy, mining, manufacturing, public power, rural electric cooperatives, labor, free-market policy groups and major infrastructure developers.
Professional Protesters Celebrate a Culture Built to Block
“After doing this work for 20 years, it is easier to mobilize communities to block something than it is to build something.” — Jane Kleeb, founder and director of the Bold Alliance.
Source: Lisa Kashinsky, “‘A better way to be relevant’: Greens embrace data center fight,” POLITICO, July 19, 2026. View article.
Growing Bipartisan Agreement: Lawmakers Say America Must Build Faster
“I completely agree with his ideas. We have got to get energy production increased in this country and drive down the prices for all consumers.” — Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.).
Source: U.S. Senate floor proceedings, July 16, 2026; Congressional Record, Vol. 172, No. 116, pp. S4124–S4127.
“[A]ll around the country, people understand it takes far too long to build something in America. It has to do with permitting. Americans want to build. We are ready to build. People are ready to finance it. The problem is, to build something in America today, it is costly, it is complex, and there is a cumbersome permitting process. In America, amazingly, you need to get permission from the government to build just about anything.” — Senator John Barrasso (R-WY).
Source: U.S. Senate floor proceedings, May 12, 2026; Congressional Record, Vol. 172, No. 80, pp. S2209–S2210.
“The biggest stumbling block we’ve got is the availability of an energy supply to meet and keep up with the demands of what artificial intelligence will ask for […] Why do I push on this? Because China is not sitting back. China is not slowing down. They recognize how critical the AI environment is, and they’re not going away. […] They also see that one thing that they can do about it is not so much trying to slow us down, but trying to get ahead of us by creating their own infrastructure. They don’t worry about the permitting processes like we do.” — Senator Rounds (R-SD).
Source: American Council for Capital Formation, “Building Faster and Cheaper in America: Permitting Reform for Energy, Industry, AI, and National Security,” July 29, 2026. Watch forum.
“I care a lot about pipelines and transmission lines. I care a lot. But I care every bit as much, if not more, about our ability for our national defense industrial base to do its job. I don’t think I can exaggerate the national security implications of good permitting reform.” — Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND).
Source: American Council for Capital Formation, “Building Faster and Cheaper in America: Permitting Reform for Energy, Industry, AI, and National Security,” July 29, 2026. Watch forum.
“I think the more that industry — I mean industry vertically, all different types of industry that come through that intersect with energy — need to push and say we need that certainty that we started talking about at the very beginning of this discussion. If we can get that pressure then I really do believe we can get something done. We can make sure that Alan can go back to Oklahoma with a smile on his face and a sense of pride that his time here wasn’t wasted because a lot of us sometimes spend time feeling that a lot of our time is wasted. And I think this is one place where the foundation work has been well-built. Everyone should have a strong feeling that we’re close to building something that will really matter and will stand the test of time.” — Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO).
Source: American Council for Capital Formation, “Building Faster and Cheaper in America: Permitting Reform for Energy, Industry, AI, and National Security,” July 29, 2026. Watch forum.
“The reason we need permitting certainty is because we need jobs in the United States of America. In America are working families who right now are finding themselves left out in the international competition for jobs. If your primary focus is jobs, jobs, jobs, then you should be for permitting reform. — Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA).
Source: American Council for Capital Formation, “Building Faster and Cheaper in America: Permitting Reform for Energy, Industry, AI, and National Security,” July 29, 2026. Watch forum.
“I got to say, you really do bring some expertise to the Senate that we didn’t have, and that is sorely needed. I’m just so pleased that your governor was tenacious in asking you, and I’m so glad you just gave up your life for 2026 and are willing to roll up your sleeves and work on this. You are just a great addition to the US Senate” — Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY).
Source: Senator Cynthia Lummis. “Happy Trails Episode 8 — A Conversation with Sen. Alan Armstrong about Permitting Reform,” Youtube, July 6, 2026
Industry Leaders Praise Armstrong’s Leadership
“Our current system has put the United States, Oklahoma included, on a path to ever-higher energy prices. Those higher prices are the result of regulation artificially constraining supply, not true market forces. Those who oppose this bill are arguing, in effect, that the solution to cost-of-living challenges is to further increase the cost of living. For the rest of us, Armstrong’s bill is worth championing.” — Jonathan Small, president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs
Source: Jonathan Small, “Free Market Friday: Permitting Reform Allows Cheaper Energy,” The Journal Record, July 30, 2026.
“Mr. Armstrong’s temporary stint in the Senate could be just what the nation needs and just in time. If he succeeds—and the country should hope he does—he will have accomplished more in a few months than most senators manage in a full term: helping America build again.” — Drew Bond, co-founder, chairman and CEO of PowerField Energy, and co-founder and executive chairman of C3 Solutions
Source: Drew Bond, “It Costs More to Permit Infrastructure Than to Build It—but One Lawmaker Wants to Change That,” The Washington Star, July 20, 2026.
“Sen. Alan Armstrong (R-Okla.) has introduced the American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act, a bill that represents a comprehensive modernization of our bedrock environmental laws. And while Armstrong’s bill includes dozens of important reforms, it’s worth highlighting three that would have a massive impact on our ability to reclaim our heritage as a nation of builders.” — Josh T. Smith, senior fellow for abundance and environment and natural resources at Pacific Legal Foundation, and John Nagle, federal policy manager at Pacific Legal Foundation
Source: Josh T. Smith and John Nagle, “A Simple Way to Cure America’s Self-Inflicted Infrastructure Paralysis,” Washington Examiner, July 2, 2026.
“A permitting system that reliably moves energy to where it’s needed is not optional; it is foundational to affordability, reliability, and national security. Senator Armstrong’s EMIA recognizes this reality and offers a targeted, practical fix: streamline reviews, curb misuse of Section 401, and empower FERC to do its job. Reform is the only path.” — Kristen Walker, manager and senior policy analyst for energy and transportation policy at the American Consumer Institute
Source: Kristen Walker, “Fixing the Broken System That Strangles U.S. Energy,” American Consumer Institute, July 28, 2026.
“One of the most leading champions on growth, development, opportunity, national security, and energy for all.” — Jim Connaughton, Distinguished Fellow, American Council for Capital Formation; former WH CEQ Chair
Source: American Council for Capital Formation, “Building Faster and Cheaper in America: Permitting Reform for Energy, Industry, AI, and National Security,” July 29, 2026. Watch forum.
“Senator Armstrong, you came here to be a constructive disruptor and I think we would all agree that you have had that impact on this discussion.” — Jason Grumet, CEO, American Clean Power Association
Source: American Council for Capital Formation permitting reform forum, July 29, 2026. Watch forum.
“When we look at American economic security, we can’t imagine being able to achieve half of what we want, half of what we believe without permitting reform. We’ve got to rebuild our defense industrial base and its underlying infrastructure as quickly as possible. ” — George David Banks, President & CEO, American Council for Capital Formation
Source: American Council for Capital Formation permitting reform forum, July 29, 2026. Watch forum.
“One thing that makes me very optimistic is that Senator Armstrong has dropped a bill, the AEMI act, which basically takes all of the key recommendations in the National Petroleum Council permitting report and turns them into law. And so it’s a great starting point because it’s public legislative vehicle that can actually take the recommendations of the Council.” — John Dabbar, Executive Director, National Petroleum Council
Source: American Council for Capital Formation permitting reform forum, July 29, 2026. Watch forum.
“We need to stop the weaponization of the Clean Water Act 401 process. It’s not improving environmental outcomes, it’s just raising people’s energy costs.” — Liz Bowman, Vice President, Government Affairs and Outreach, The Williams Companies, Inc.
Source: American Council for Capital Formation permitting reform forum, July 29, 2026. Watch forum.
“Bipartisan support and statutory changes are essential to creating a durable, lasting effect. One that enables my customers to withstand political shifts this November and many Novembers to come.” – Jen Deci, Director, U.S. Government Affairs, First Solar
Source: American Council for Capital Formation permitting reform forum, July 29, 2026. Watch forum.
“Thank you to @SenArmstrong for highlighting the importance of permitting reform and your continued leadership on this critical issue. As energy demand continues to grow, permitting reform is essential to building the infrastructure needed to deliver America’s abundant natural gas resources to the communities that depend on it.” — Natural Gas Supply Association
Source: Natural Gas Supply Association, X, July 2026. View organization account.
“Competitive generators have announced tens of GW of potential new power supply representing billions in private capital investment, with ratepayers protected from investment risk. Permitting reform is essential to getting this generation constructed and on the grid.
EPSA supports @SenArmstrong ‘s legislation to accelerate construction of critical energy infrastructure, secure reliable electricity, and advance America’s economic growth.” — Electric Power Supply Association
Source: Electric Power Supply Association, X, July 17, 2026. View organization account.
Demand for Energy is Only Growing, But a Broken Permitting System is Halting Growth
“We do worry that if you look out over the next 10 years, electricity demand — not just from steel, but other manufacturing and other groups like data centers — is going to outstrip supply. We need domestic policies that will promote continued energy growth. For us, things like permitting reform are absolutely critical.” — Kevin Dempsey, President & CEO, American Iron & Steel Institute
Source: American Council for Capital Formation permitting reform forum, July 29, 2026. Watch forum.
“We’re in an entirely different era where electricity demand is driving the need to build infrastructure, and we need to build all kinds of infrastructure. I think Senator Cramer did an excellent job by reminding us that this is one of the biggest challenges we face to ensure America’s economic competitiveness and our national security. So building everything from generation, transmission, pipelines, manufacturing refineries, and the supply chains that connect them all is necessary” — Lisa Epifani, Head of Policy, ClearPath
Source: American Council for Capital Formation permitting reform forum, July 29, 2026. Watch forum.
“The longer it takes you to get your permits, the more it will cost you. You will have uncertainty on getting to final investing. Today, supply chains all over the world are constrained. So if you want to start placing orders for equipment, you need to do it as early as possible. And you can’t do that without having the visibility and certainty on are you getting the permits and when are you getting them. So all this really plays into how successful your investment case is and speaks to the importance of having a streamlined permitting process.” — Ziad Fares, Project Director, Emirates Global Aluminium
Source: American Council for Capital Formation permitting reform forum, July 29, 2026. Watch forum.
“The risk in my view is really that we let the grid of the past really ration economic growth.” — Tom Hassenboehler, Managing Partner, CO2Efficient
Source: American Council for Capital Formation permitting reform forum, July 29, 2026. Watch forum.
“I think permitting certainty is something that affects all technologies across the energy industry. We all are building large scale infrastructure that has long timelines for development and really requires significant upfront capital investment. In order for developers and investors to feel comfortable, they need to feel certain that they are going to be able to get a permit on a certain timeline and then be able to build with that permit.” — Katherine Lee, Senior Manager, Federal Affairs, Ørsted
Source: American Council for Capital Formation permitting reform forum, July 29, 2026. Watch forum.
“Frankly, the permitting system in the US leaves a lot to be desired. We all know that. I think we still need a light of fire under ourselves to do it because 29 years to build a mine is ridiculous.” — Seth Levey, Head of U.S. Government Relations and Corporate Affairs, Glencore
Source: American Council for Capital Formation permitting reform forum, July 29, 2026. Watch forum.
“All of these delays associated with permitting side… results in significant project cost increases that are then passed on to customers through either reliability issues, through their rates… because of these costs that increase inflation, supply chain constraints, financing costs, etc.” — Kennedy Nickerson, Director of Federal Relations, National Grid
Source: American Council for Capital Formation permitting reform forum, July 29, 2026. Watch forum.
“I think permitting is going to be a very important piece of having investors know we’re supporting rebuilding the defense industrial base. We need that call to arms right now… we need the private sector to build things fast.” — Al Buchala, CEO, CapZone Impact Investments
Source: American Council for Capital Formation permitting reform forum, July 29, 2026. Watch forum.
“Make no mistake, permitting reform is Google’s top energy policy priority at the moment because it has such substantial impact across our portfolio of infrastructure.” — Brad Simmons, Energy & Sustainability Policy Manager, Google
Source: American Council for Capital Formation permitting reform forum, July 29, 2026. Watch forum.
“Delays associated with uncertainty and time frames are deal breakers for a lot of projects. The time and cost, coupled with the uncertainty and the vagueness in federal law that allows things to get litigated ad nauseam, really can impact crude supply to refineries and debottlenecking projects.” — Brendan Williams, Head of Government Relations, PBF Energy
Source: American Council for Capital Formation permitting reform forum, July 29, 2026. Watch forum.
“When we’re thinking about federal policy on permitting and interconnection, we see the need for more certainty on timelines and costs for transmission because our customers need to be able to design and plan for what solutions they bring to the table.” — Joel Yu, Senior Vice President of Policy & External Affairs, EROCK
Source: American Council for Capital Formation permitting reform forum, July 29, 2026. Watch forum.
“Meaningful long-term change will require Congress to go further by creating durable permitting certainty and reforming a litigation system that too often allows critical infrastructure projects to be tied up indefinitely after permits and environmental approvals have been granted. The faster we codify these changes into law, the faster we can meaningfully address affordability for hardworking families.” — Karen Harbert, President and CEO of the American Gas Association
Source: Karen Harbert, “The Last Affordable Monthly Bill in America — and the Red Tape Endangering It,” Washington Examiner, August 5, 2026
The Bipartisan Window is Open — But It Will Not Stay Open Forever
“Poll after poll shows Americans are worried about the cost of living — especially the cost of energy. What most don’t know is that a fix with genuine bipartisan support is already moving through Congress. If energy affordability is the problem, comprehensive permitting reform is a key part of the answer.”
—Mike Sommers, CEO, American Petroleum Institute
Source: Mike Sommers, “Lower Energy Costs Start With Permitting Reform,” in “Under-the-Radar Ideas to Improve American Energy Policy That Could Pass Congress This Year,” NOTUS, July 25, 2026. View article.
“Reports last week that Senate negotiators are continuing work on a bipartisan permitting package are welcome news. The window is narrowing but remains open. Before lawmakers leave Washington for the August recess, the Senate has an opportunity to advance legislation that makes federal permitting more transparent, efficient and durable.” — Matt Sonnesyn, Senior Vice President for Policy, Business Roundtable
Source: Matt Sonnesyn, “The Senate Has a Chance to Reignite Permitting Reform Before August Recess,” 535, July 20, 2026 View article.