The former officials noted that the median time for a new power plant to reach commercial operation grew from under two years between 2000 and 2007 to over four years for projects between 2018 and 2024. They cited data showing China’s share of global knowledge- and technology-intensive manufacturing value added reached 31.5% in 2024, while the US held 20.7%. Additionally, they highlighted that permitting for mining projects averages 5.5 years and up to 8.9 years for contested sites. The legislation would require interregional transmission planning and limit frivolous lawsuits that halt projects indefinitely.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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19 Former US Officials Endorse BAAJA to Counter China's Industrial Lead
US Politics11 hours ago
Former US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and other senior leaders from seven presidential administrations have urged Congress to fast track energy permitting reform to preserve American competitiveness. In a letter to Congress, 19 former Cabinet members and White House principals endorsed the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, warning that the US risks losing an industrial and technological race to China. Signatories including former Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin emphasized that slow infrastructure development is hindering national security.
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