Why the fight for affordable and reliable energy isn’t over

With energy policy reform a Day One priority for President Donald Trump’s Administration, it would be easy to assume that affordable, reliable and cleaner energy will become a reality across the country in short order.

While there will be rapid movement on the national level, some on the state and local level are already hard at work to slow that effort down, or kill it, altogether.

As we have seen in the past, the anti-energy organizations that work to handicap domestic energy production by way of red tape, litigation and all-out bans, will take their battle to states, cities and towns near you.

They already are.

With the federal government’s door shut to their priorities, these groups are pushing their plans in more receptive jurisdictions and smaller municipalities in an attempt to overwhelm or bully local officials.

Days after the election, one such national group made it clear: “(O)ver the next few years, you can expect to see environmentalists focus much of their attention on city and state governments. At the same time, the movement will likely intensify pressure on corporate actors, especially the banks and insurance companies … In some ways, that’s a repeat of the environmental movement’s 2017-19 playbook.”

Fortunately, there are forward-thinking state governments that recognize affordable, reliable and cleaner energy is possible while preserving the jobs, economic vitality and family-sustaining wages that energy production creates. The leadership in these states is unpersauded by the empty promises of new economies that never materialize, while real jobs and entire industries are killed off, as we are seeing in states like California and New York.

That is precisely why Consumer Energy Alliance offered to do all we can to help the Governors Coalition for Energy Security (GCES), founded by Gov. Jeff Landry of Louisiana and former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu. As I recently remarked to the CEA Board, the formation of this coalition from this collection of states feels very much like the “dog has (finally) caught the car!”  Bringing this state leadership together at such a critical time to help ensure US energy and economic needs are met is what CEA has relentlessly campaigned for throughout its 20-year history: we are proud to offer any assistance the Governors may need.

This groundbreaking initiative underscores the critical importance of affordable and reliable energy in defining our country’s future. It serves as a testament to the growing recognition that energy policy is not just a matter of environmental stewardship, it’s about economic justice, too – an opportunity for all of society to thrive.

“As states that are power-hungry, we need an all-of-the-above energy approach to securing more energy to drive our economies. I am happy to be working with Consumer Energy Alliance to help move our priorities ahead,” Gov. Landry said in a statement. “We need organizations like CEA who put forward facts and common-sense energy policy, not fears or emotion-driven plans that benefit few, disadvantage many, and do nothing for the environment.”

The need for affordable and reliable energy cannot be overstated in our rapidly evolving energy landscape. Energy is the lifeblood of our economy, powering everything from homes and schools to factories and hospitals. When energy costs are high or supply unreliable, the ripple effects impact every sector of society. Families struggle with higher utility bills, businesses face increased operational costs, and economic growth is stifled.

The coalition’s vision aligns closely with CEA’s goal of affordable, reliable and cleaner energy. In the words of the coalition, “we envision a future where every state protects its citizens’ freedoms to choose the energy solutions that work best for them —driving down costs, enhancing reliability, and supporting lasting economic growth. Through innovation, competition, and thoughtful stewardship, we aim to ensure that every American has access to affordable, dependable energy in a way that benefits both the economy and the environment.”

The states that get energy policy right will, undoubtedly, prove more attractive to businesses – an incredibly valuable attribute today as AI and data centers grow at unprecedented rates, creating a $250 billion a year opportunity. Companies today are looking for stable environments where they can operate efficiently and predictably.

States such as Georgia – a GCES member – are proof that the right energy policies produce economic growth

Preserving consumers’ freedom to choose the energy they want and need is a fundamental principle that underpins the coalition’s efforts. By promoting fairness and competition in the energy marketplace, states ensure that consumers enjoy access to a variety of energy sources that meet their unique needs. This approach not only drives down costs but also fosters innovation and resilience.

The coalition is a much-needed bulwark against needless restrictions pushed by anti-energy advocates. It maps a path to a future where every tool is available. A one-size-fits-all approach to energy policy will not suffice. States must be flexible and adaptable, allowing for the integration of new technologies such as next-generation nuclear power and advanced energy systems.

CEA is honored to support the coalition’s mission and advocate for affordable, reliable energy, while pushing for robust environmental stewardship. Fundamentally, this is a pro-people path that helps families, businesses, farmers and the entire U.S. economy – today and into the future.