PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein recently joined the leaders of nine other state chambers of commerce in urging Congress to advance bipartisan energy permitting reform, a move that would build on Pennsylvania’s recent efforts to streamline permitting and strengthen its position as an energy and manufacturing leader. In a new op-ed published by the Washington Examiner, the 10 state chamber leaders argue that outdated federal permitting rules are preventing billions of dollars in investment from moving forward, delaying infrastructure projects, and driving up costs for businesses and families. To address these challenges, they encourage members of Congress to support a recent bipartisan permitting reform agreement in the U.S. Senate that would unleash American innovation without compromising our environment. The Senate proposal would establish clearer timelines for federal environmental reviews, designate lead agencies to streamline permitting, place reasonable limits on litigation, and provide greater certainty once projects receive approval. Pennsylvania has already taken steps to address similar challenges. In recent years, the General Assembly has enacted comprehensive permitting reforms aimed at reducing bureaucratic delays and streamlining the process of moving projects from the planning stage to construction. The op-ed argues that federal reform can build on those state-level efforts while maintaining strong environmental and safety standards. The coalition also emphasizes that the proposed reforms are source-neutral, supporting development of natural gas, nuclear, wind, solar, geothermal, and other energy resources. Pennsylvania’s abundant energy resources and a strong manufacturing base provide a foundation for economic growth, and faster federal permitting can help unlock new investment and strengthen the reliability and affordability of the Commonwealth’s electrical grid. “We need this energy permitting reform deal now,” the leaders write, urging Congress to deliver bipartisan permitting reform that can lower costs, create jobs, strengthen the electric grid, and improve America’s energy security. Read the full op-ed in the Washington Examiner.