WASHINGTON D.C.—Dozens of major businesses are on Capitol Hill this week to urge Congress to advance bipartisan policies that lower energy costs, boost American manufacturing, strengthen rural communities, and advance industries shaping the 21st century economy.Â
The 37 companies, investors, and trade associations participating in LEAD on a Clean Economy 2026 from March 17 to March 19 include Amrize, Autodesk, Best Buy, CommonSpirit Health, Danone North America, DHL, dsm-firmenich, eBay, IKEA US, Heirloom, Lucid, Keurig Dr Pepper, Michelin, National Ski Area Association, Panasonic, QCells, Salesforce, Schneider Electric, Siemens, and Workday, among others. During the eighth annual LEAD (Lawmaker Education and Advocacy Days) event, participants will meet with approximately 70 key congressional and agency officials to advocate for pragmatic policy solutions that prioritize market certainty and affordability as cornerstones of an advanced, clean economy. Â
A full list of participating businesses is available here. Collectively, they generate nearly $600 billion in annual revenue and employ more than 600,000 Americans. Â
“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.”Â
“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.Â
"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 ElectricÂ
“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.”Â
At a time when rising energy demand—driven by a boom in artificial intelligence, data centers, and domestic manufacturing—is increasing costs and constraining investment in America, business leaders will emphasize the urgent opportunity before Congress to act. Â
Specifically, participants will call on Congress to take urgent action on three key priorities:Â Â
Accelerate affordable, reliable, homegrown clean energy by advancing permitting reform and transmission planning alongside grid modernization policies. Â
Strengthen domestic manufacturing and transportation leadership through surface transportation reauthorization that supports electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, critical minerals, and clean materials. Â
Deliver economic opportunity and resilience in rural America with a pragmatic focused farm bill that invests in innovative agricultural solutions, technical assistance, and enteric methane mitigation. Â
Private-sector executives and employees will underscore that pragmatic, market-oriented action on these issues will deliver long-term results nationwide. With the right solutions in place, Congress can lower energy costs, create jobs, expand domestic manufacturing, strengthen the security and reliability of America's energy grid and supply chains, and position the U.S. to lead in the global economy. Â
“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.”Â
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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.Â