How America can achieve energy abundance through smarter policy
Affordable, reliable energy is the engine of American prosperity.
It powers our homes, drives economic growth, and fuels innovation. But in the recent past, misguided policies have driven up costs and limited access to the energy everyone depends on.
Building a stronger economy and expanding opportunity begins with an all-of-the-above energy strategy that unleashes innovation, promotes competition, and lets people — not bureaucracies — choose the future.
Why electricity costs keep climbing
Electricity costs are rising — not just because of global events, but also due to anticompetitive policies that stifle competition and drive up prices.
One example is right-of-first-refusal laws, or ROFR, which allow existing utilities to bypass competitive bidding on new transmission projects. Without competition, costs go up and innovation slows — leaving consumers with higher bills and fewer choices.
At the same time, mandates are forcing the rapid replacement of reliable fossil fuel plants with intermittent sources like wind and solar. These require costly equipment and storage systems, with expenses passed on to ratepayers.
During the Biden administration, federal regulators finalized a number of appliance rules that limited your choice of stoves, dryers, and water heaters — a top-down approach that increases costs and reduces financial freedom in the home.
Unlocking American energy through innovation and reform
There’s a better path forward — one that gives Americans access to the full range of energy options and lets innovation lead the way.
By embracing innovation, reforming harmful regulations, and trusting markets over mandates, energy can be more abundant and affordable for everyone. Central to this vision is embracing an all-of-the-above-energy strategy that allows all energy sources — from fossil fuels to renewables — to compete on equal footing.
Here’s how America can get there:
- End anticompetitive policies like ROFR: Eliminating ROFR laws would allow more companies to compete to build and maintain energy infrastructure. That means better service, more innovation, and lower costs for consumers.
- Discover the energy sources that power America: Streamlining permitting across all energy sectors would eliminate delays and make it easier to explore, extract, and develop resources. Real permit reform would bring certainty to investors that could drive down costs.
- Rethink electricity policy: Our electric grid is under pressure. As fossil fuel plants are retired and intermittent sources like wind and solar are added, costs continue to climb — and consumers are stuck with the bill. Instead of mandates and subsidies, America needs energy policies that allow all sources to compete on a level playing field, reward efficiency, and invest in grid reliability.
- Protect consumer choice: Washington shouldn’t control your kitchen or laundry room. The current Congress recently passed three pieces of legislation that revoked energy conservation standards for appliances and an additional bill that revoked certification and labeling requirements for other consumer products. President Trump signed all four into law. These Biden administration rules would have limited consumer choice and raised costs.
Abundant, affordable, and reliable energy for all Americans
Americans for Prosperity is fighting for a future where energy is no longer a constraint, but a catalyst for prosperity.
Here’s how AFP is working to make that future a reality:
- Reform government: End arbitrary regulations that stifle innovation and economic growth.
- Reform policy: Replace top-down mandates with bottom-up solutions that empower communities.
- Build a movement: Educate Americans about the importance of energy freedom and environmental stewardship.
Energy abundance is within reach — but only if we remove the barriers standing in the way and open the door to greater innovation.
You can join AFP in the fight to end costly energy regulations and renew the Trump tax cuts by clicking here.
