Hawaiʻi congressional delegation reacts to Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act

Hawaiʻi US Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono released statements on the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, with Schatz expressing support for the permitting reform bill while Hirono said she cannot support it in its current form.

“The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act is a historic bill that reflects years of bipartisan work to reform our outdated permitting processes while protecting the environment,” said Sen. Schatz (D-Hawaiʻi).

“Permitting delays drive up costs and stall projects, making electricity, housing, and public transportation more expensive. This legislation will help lower costs, build clean energy, modernize America’s grid, cut emissions, and hold data center developers accountable,” he said.

He said this bill is a bipartisan compromise, and called deals like this “tough.”

“We heard from Native leaders and advocates and secured some key changes to improve the historic preservation title and ensure that federal agencies consult with Native Hawaiian organizations, Tribes, and others about historic and cultural resources. I understand these changes won’t be enough for everyone to support the bill, but we’ll continue working to ensure Native Hawaiian organizations and Tribes have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their communities,” said Schatz.

“While BAAJA is not perfect, it represents a rare opportunity to pass strong, bipartisan legislation that will help lower costs and make it easier for American workers to build the things our country needs. I will vote to pass it and will continue working with my colleagues to deliver results for people in Hawaiʻi and across the country,” he said.

Meanwhile, US Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaiʻi), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, provided the following statement:

“Permitting reform can bring American families cleaner and more affordable energy, but I believe it can be done without weakening environmental protections or our relationships with Indigenous communities. This bill does not stop the Trump regime from stacking the deck for fossil energy at the expense of renewable energy development. While I will evaluate any changes made as discussions continue, I do not support the bill in its current form.”