BAAJA gives federal regulators ‘bigger hammer’ to break transmission blocks

Utility Dive · Diana DiGangi · 2026-10-29 11:21 UTC

“I think the cost-sharing elements are by far probably the most important part of this bill,” Rep. Josh Harder, D-Calif., told Utility Dive. “My hope is that can unlock a lot more collaboration as opposed to ... folks pointing the finger at each other.”

Dive Brief:

- The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act encourages grid operators and stakeholders to work together to develop new electric transmission infrastructure, but federal regulators will have “a much bigger hammer to swing” at obstacles to that buildout if they determine not enough is being done, said Rep. Josh Harder, D-Calif., in an interview with Utility Dive.

- Harder is a chair of the Build America Caucus and a strong supporter of the BAAJA, bipartisan permitting reform legislation introduced in the Senate Sept. 30. He said the House bipartisan Build More Agenda, announced Oct. 5, was developed alongside the Senate bill but includes additional policies intended to increase clean firm generation, such as streamlining nuclear regulation.

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