Furniture giant Ikea, German multinational Siemens and solar manufacturer Qcells are among dozens of companies visiting congressional offices this week to urge lawmakers to pass sweeping bipartisan legislation that would make it easier to approve all kinds of energy projects.
Executives from the companies have lined up more than 70 meetings, mostly with Republicans, at a “particularly important moment,” said Anne Kelly, vice president at the group Ceres, who is organizing the lobbying days. “We are getting ready for a big week,” Kelly told reporters Monday.
In addition, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association will be leading companies on the Hill to talk about transmission. Bolstering the grid is part of the permitting reform discussions.
The lobbying push comes as formal negotiations between Republicans and Democrats toward a permitting accord have been proceeding steadily, if not precariously.
