When energy prices rise, many look to Washington for more regulations. But prosperity is built by people, not dictated by politicians.
That’s why we launched the “Road to Prosperity” tour, to hear from those who work to power America’s future.
We found that communities are ready to power the future, create jobs, and embrace prosperity. From Louisiana to Montana, the message was the same: America has abundance and innovation. What’s holding us back is Washington’s red tape.
High energy costs affect more than utility bills. They raise the price of groceries, housing, gas, and everyday necessities.
Our high energy costs aren’t due to a lack of resources. Prices are high because federal policies restrict supply, delay crucial projects, and drive up prices through excessive subsidies and regulations.
When Washington picks winners and losers, communities around the country pay the price.
We heard that frustration from so many families around the country — especially in states with high energy potential that are being told they can’t develop what they have.
The tour highlighted energy facilities using modern technology to reduce emissions while meeting the country’s growing energy demand.
These state-of-the-art facilities power homes, hospitals, and data centers while supporting local jobs and keeping regional economies thriving.
For instance, in Abilene, Texas, the team visited Natura Resources, a privately funded nuclear project developing advanced reactor technology.
You can see the team in Texas below:
There, the team witnessed what was possible when entrepreneurs were allowed to build.
The results:
Texas is a leading example because it embraces an all-of-the-above energy model, allowing entrepreneurs and the market to power their communities and the country.
The team also met with workers and local leaders in northeast Minnesota, who understand the close connection between energy, mining, and manufacturing.
Nearly 98% of domestic iron ore production comes from Minnesota and Michigan.
At the Thunderbird Iron Ore Mine, AFP–Pennsylvania Coalitions Director Mary Beth Cirucci and the team saw how mining fuels steel production, infrastructure growth, and the next generation of American economic prosperity.
They heard the same message in Minnesota: Expensive permits and redundant regulations threaten the American Dream and harm the communities that power the country.
Unfortunately, the team heard their share of tragic stories.
On the Louisiana coast, the team visited an abandoned oil treatment plant — shuttered not because of genuine safety failures or depleted resources, but because permitting became too costly and unpredictable.
“When these facilities go away, our whole town dies,” a local worker said when reflecting on the closed facility.
In Montana, local leaders shared similar stories.
Towns like Libby didn’t lose their mills because resources ran dry, but because Washington decided it knew better. Workers there lost their paychecks, purpose, and access to the American Dream.
As the cost of Washington’s micromanaging increases, some communities face no choice but to abandon the energy and manufacturing jobs that provided value and purpose for generations.
Everywhere the team went, they heard frustration with a permitting system that can take upwards of a decade to approve projects that are crucial to community growth and American energy abundance.
That uncertainty:
Americans can’t afford additional uncertainty as the country’s energy demand rises.
The Road to Prosperity tour elevated voices from communities that are often overlooked by Washington and major news outlets.
It’s time for a change.
Passing permitting reform is key to securing American energy independence by ensuring projects are built more quickly, costs can be reduced, and communities produce the energy that makes sense for them.
Join AFP’s growing community of volunteers and partners who demand permitting reform by signing our petition.
Follow the tour and read about the communities the team visits.
We saw over and over again that America’s energy and industrial potential are boundless, as long as Washington clears the way.
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