The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) has backed the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, arguing that changes to US permitting rules could help bring forward investment in new and expanded domestic fertilizer production. CropLife reported that the industry association sees the legislation, known as BAAJA, as a way to improve regulatory certainty and strengthen the infrastructure serving the fertilizer supply chain.
TFI president and chief executive Corey Rosenbusch said lengthy approval processes and uncertainty under the current system make it harder for manufacturers to commit to long-term investments. The association’s case for reform centres on giving producers greater confidence to develop additional capacity. It also links a more predictable permitting framework to a stronger domestic supply of crop nutrients for US growers.
According to the CropLife report, permitting delays affecting new fertilizer plants and expansions can extend over decades and carry costs running into tens of millions of dollars. The report describes those delays as a potential deterrent to investment that can push back the arrival of additional domestic output. It also links the consequences to farmers dependent on reliable fertilizer supplies and, ultimately, to consumers buying food.
Rosenbusch identified clearer approval timetables, closer coordination between federal agencies and limits on protracted litigation and judicial review as changes that could improve predictability. TFI also highlighted environmental assessments, project approvals and energy infrastructure as important areas for reform. In particular, the association argues that support for natural gas pipeline development would give nitrogen fertilizer producers better access to energy supplies.
The association has pressed senators to move the legislation forward through two letters, CropLife reported. TFI sent its own letter thanking senators involved in the bipartisan initiative on 7 October and coordinated a broader industry letter shared on 16 October. Both called for Senate action as early as possible in November. The reported benefits remain TFI’s arguments for advancing the bill, rather than evidence of completed capacity additions or investment commitments.