NECA Asks for 2026
NECA’s top legislative priorities for 2026 are aimed at optimizing the business climate for electrical contractors:
- Pass a 2026 Highway Bill that Modernizes and Electrifies Surface Transportation
- Pass the Retainage Tax Fairness Act to Provide Tax Clarity for Contractors
- Invest in Resilient and Electrified Transportation Infrastructure
- Support Permitting Reform and Streamline Transmission Work
Pass a 2026 Highway Bill that Modernizes and Electrifies Surface Transportation
NECA supports a minimum five-year surface transportation reauthorization with increased, predictable funding to support long-term planning and investment. Electrical contractors rely on steady federal investment to plan, bid, and staff multi-year transportation projects.
Pass the Retainage Tax Fairness Act to Provide Tax Clarity for Contractors
NECA supports clear federal tax rules that reflect how construction businesses actually operate. Current law does not address retainage directly, leaving contractors uncertain about when withheld funds become taxable — forcing many to pay taxes on money they have not yet received.
Invest in Resilient and Electrified Transportation Infrastructure
NECA supports directing the highway bill to prioritize projects that incorporate resiliency, backup capacity, and modern electrical system design, including smart and electrified transportation assets.
Support Permitting Reform and Streamline Transmission Work
NECA contractors deliver transmission, grid modernization, federal facility electrical work, and critical infrastructure projects that often require multi-agency federal approvals. Predictable, efficient permitting is essential to mobilize crews, manage costs, and meet national energy and infrastructure goals.