Major Corporations Advocate on Capitol Hill for Energy and Economic Reforms
WASHINGTON D.C.—This week, several prominent companies have converged on Capitol Hill to lobby for bipartisan legislative measures aimed at reducing energy costs, enhancing U.S. manufacturing capabilities, bolstering rural communities, and supporting emerging industries crucial for the modern economy.
The initiative, known as LEAD on a Clean Economy 2026, is being held from March 17 to March 19 and includes participation from 37 organizations such as Amrize, Autodesk, Best Buy, CommonSpirit Health, Danone North America, DHL, dsm-firmenich, eBay, IKEA US, and Schneider Electric, among others. These participants will engage with approximately 70 congressional and agency leaders to advocate for policy solutions that emphasize market predictability and affordability in advancing a clean economy.
For a complete list of the engaged companies, click here. Together, these entities account for nearly $600 billion in annual revenue and employ over 600,000 people in the U.S.
“Ceres remains an essential partner in DHL’s decarbonization journey. As one of the largest users of the U.S. ground transportation network and with our new energy logistics business continuing to grow, 2026 is a pivotal year for advancing the surface transportation reauthorization bill and much-needed permitting reform,” Stephan Schablinski, Vice President of Sustainability, DHL Supply Chain North America. “These policy efforts are critical to enabling the clean‑energy infrastructure our industry needs. We look forward to working closely with Ceres and fellow LEAD participants to help pass meaningful legislation that complements our ongoing investments in our sustainable logistics network and supports the expansion of clean power generation nationwide.”
“At IKEA, we believe affordability and sustainability go hand in hand. As a business, we strive to provide our customers with affordable home furnishing solutions that also help them live more sustainable lives at home. However, rising electricity and living costs are making daily life more difficult for our customers and co-workers. That’s why we’re proud to advocate for bipartisan policy solutions alongside other companies to help keep electricity costs low and power the American economy with clean, abundant energy,” said Doug Murray, Public Affairs Leader, IKEA U.S.
“The energy demands of the 21st-century economy require 21st-century infrastructure and energy technologies. We are proud to stand with this coalition in urging the adoption of favorable policies and innovative energy tech, so we can modernize America’s grid and affordably improve our time to power,” said Jeannie Salo, Chief Public Policy Officer, North America, Schneider Electric
“Modernizing America’s energy infrastructure is essential to ensuring reliable power for a rapidly growing and increasingly digital economy,” said John Pappas, Government Affairs Director for Siemens. “Smart, bipartisan reforms that accelerate the deployment of advanced grid technologies should be a top priority to address increasing energy demand. By improving transmission planning and optimizing the grid we have today, the U.S. can quickly and affordably unlock new capacity and support the buildout of next-generation manufacturing, data centers, and other critical industries.”
Given the escalating energy demands fuelled by advancements in artificial intelligence, data centers, and domestic manufacturing, business leaders are urging Congress to seize the opportunity for legislative action.
The advocacy focuses on three pivotal areas:
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Promote accessible, reliable, and domestic clean energy by advancing permitting reform and transmission planning alongside grid modernization initiatives.
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Enhance domestic manufacturing and transportation capabilities through surface transportation reauthorization, supporting electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, critical minerals, and clean materials.
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Foster economic growth and resilience in rural America with a pragmatic farm bill focused on investing in innovative agricultural solutions, technical assistance, and enteric methane mitigation.
Executives and employees from the private sector will emphasize that pragmatic, market-driven actions on these issues will yield long-term benefits across the nation. With the appropriate measures, Congress can lower energy costs, generate jobs, enhance domestic manufacturing, and secure the robustness of America’s energy grid and supply chains, positioning the U.S. as a leader in the global economy.
“Businesses are ready to invest, hire, and build in America — but they need policy certainty and an affordable, reliable energy system to do it,” said Zach Friedman, senior director, federal policy, at Ceres. “There is a real bipartisan opportunity to lower energy costs, modernize America’s infrastructure, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and bolster rural communities. The businesses here this week represent industries and states across the country and are united in a clear call for action. Congress has the tools today to protect affordability and strengthen U.S. competitiveness. The time to act is now so the U.S. can lead in critical industries, from artificial intelligence to the global auto market and agricultural innovation.”
About Ceres
Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and resilient economy. With data-driven research and expert analysis, we inspire investors and companies to act on the world’s sustainability challenges and advocate for market and policy solutions. Together, our efforts transform industries, unlock new business opportunities, and foster innovation and job growth – proving that sustainability is the bottom line. For more information, visit ceres.org.
Original Story at www.ceres.org