Gov. Rhoden and Colleagues Urge Passage of Permitting Reform

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 2, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden and Colleagues Urge Passage of Permitting Reform

PIERRE, S.D. - Today, Governor Larry Rhoden and 21 fellow Republican governors urged Congress to pass permitting reform to cut red tape, lower energy costs, and strengthen our nation's infrastructure. You can find a copy of the statement here.

"Republican governors are working every day to cut red tape, increase investment, and make our states the best places in the world to build, innovate, and do business," wrote Governor Larry Rhoden and his colleagues. "Unfortunately, outdated federal bureaucracy continues to delay critical energy and infrastructure projects and drive up costs for hardworking families at a time when speed and efficiency matter most."

The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act would deliver cheaper energy, good-paying jobs, and responsible growth - all while ensuring AI data centers pay for their increased electricity use. Earlier this year, Governor Rhoden signed the "Data Center Bill of Rights," which similarly protects South Dakotans from increased utility costs and utility shortages caused by data centers.

"Republican governors urge Congress to act swiftly, pass meaningful permitting reform, and send this legislation to President Trump's desk," continued Governor Rhoden and his colleagues. "By bringing greater certainty and accountability to the permitting process, we can unleash American energy dominance, strengthen our grid, bring manufacturing and investment back home, and ensure the United States leads the next generation of economic growth."

Governor Rhoden was joined in signing this statement by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Idaho Governor Brad Little, Indiana Governor Mike Braun, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, Puerto Rico Governor Jennifer González-Colón, South Carolina Governor Henry Dargan McMaster, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Utah Governor Spencer Cox, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon.

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