Energy

Key Points
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Key Points
  • The free market should be the principal determinant of which energy technologies reach the marketplace.
  • Government programs designed to encourage and advance energy technologies should not reduce energy choices or supply. They should not limit the production of electricity, for example, to only politically preferable technologies.
  • North America has extremely large reserves of fossil fuels. Access to these resources should be expanded to provide the U.S. with low-cost and reliable energy. Barriers limiting the use of and access to public lands should be removed.
  • Energy security requires a diverse set of fuels to meet the demands of different geographic regions and different energy supplies.

It is difficult – and perhaps even impossible – to overstate the relationship between readily available access to safe, affordable and reliable energy and individual prosperity and economic wellbeing. This is because energy is an input to virtually everything we produce, consume and enjoy in society.

Think for a minute about the computer or tablet you are currently using to visit this website. Energy was needed in vast quantities in order to harvest the silica, petrochemicals, metals and other raw materials that make up your computer. Energy was needed again to turn these raw materials into something useful, such as computer chips, plastics and glass. Even more energy was needed to ship your computer to a retailer or directly to you. Finally, after years of use (which, of course, required plenty of electricity), energy is once again needed to recycle or dispose of your computer.

We, as Americans, take energy for granted. We expect computer manufacturers to continue producing devices without interruption. Similarly, when we routinely flip a switch, we expect the lights to come on without fail. It is perhaps only when the power goes out that we even think about where electricity comes from and the complex process by which it is delivered to us.

Because energy is so ubiquitous to our lives, it is critical that lawmakers implement market-oriented energy policies that allow energy to be produced more efficiently at lower costs with fewer economic disruptions and lower environmental impacts. If a state or federal government imposes overly onerous regulations or adopts policies that drive up energy costs, the effects will soon be felt throughout the entire economy. Food, medicine and other household goods will become more expensive almost immediately, disproportionately affecting those with low and fixed incomes.

Articles

Energy

America’s Energy Needs: Joe Trotter on ALEC Breakdown

Lars Dalseide/June 26, 2024
Energy

Myths vs. Facts: Electrification and Carbon Emissions

In the News

ALEC Policy Champions: Governor Glenn Youngkin, Secretary Travis Voyles, Senator Richard Stuart, Senator Ryan McDougle, and Delegate Tony Wilt Remove Virginia from California EV Mandate

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Publications

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Model Policies

  • Act to Define Clean Energy Draft

    Title: An act recognizing nuclear as clean energy. Description: This bill modifies provisions relating to clean energy. Highlight: Provides for the promotion and development of clean energy resources for declared purposes; defines terms and revises definitions. Where applicable replacing “Renewable energy” or “Renewable energy sources” with “Clean energy” or “Clean…

  • Equitable Escalation of Electricity Demand Act Draft

    The legislature of [name of state] finds that: Artificial Intelligence (AI) as commonly understood, is becoming increasingly integrated into everyday life and across multiple sectors – if not every sector – of the American economy; AI is currently placing strains on current power grids and its demand is expected to increase; The…

  • The “Only Pay for What You Get” Ensuring Reliable and Affordable Electricity Act Draft

    Section 1. Findings.  The [name of state legislature] finds that: (1)  [name of state] citizens, including its families, schools, hospitals, small businesses, farms, and industries depend on reliable and affordable electric utility service for everything they do, from operating lifesaving medical equipment to operating lifesaving building temperature…

  • The Affordable, Reliable and Clean Energy Security Act Draft

    Section 1.  Energy Security Domestic Production: The fuel source must be primarily produced domestically within the United States. Infrastructure Security: The infrastructure necessary to deliver energy to the customer should minimize reliance on foreign nations for critical materials or manufacturing. Section 2.  Affordability “Affordable Energy Source” shall be defined as…

  • Electricity Trajectory Management Act Draft

    The legislature of [name of state] finds that: American families and American industries depend on reliable and affordable electricity for everything they do, from medical equipment to lifesaving climate control in their homes and workplaces; electricity demand must be met with electricity supply instantly, or interruptions of service result; American electricity demand…

  • Truth in Electricity Generation Labeling Act Draft

    The Problem Electric grids must match demand with supply immediately. If not, curtailment or blackouts are caused. The push for “Green” energy, notably solar and wind power, has exacerbated the problem of producing reliable energy for two reasons. First, the variability of wind and solar generation makes it difficult to…

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Task Forces

Energy, Environment and Agriculture

The Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force operates under the principles of free-market environmentalism, that is to…

Press Releases

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