OPINION:
America stands at a pivotal moment for our energy future. With global conflicts disrupting supply chains, inflation straining working families, and the energy transition demanding both innovation and pragmatism, we must navigate a path forward that guarantees energy security, affordability, and sustainability. This is why I was proud to co-found the American Energy Dominance Caucus alongside my colleague, Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn.
The name of our caucus is intentional. “Dominance” in energy doesn’t mean favoring one resource over another it means ensuring that the United States leads in every aspect of energy policy. Whether it’s strengthening our electric grid with cutting-edge storage technology, harnessing the power of renewables and nuclear energy, or expanding domestic oil and gas production, our goal is clear: to make the United States the most reliable and innovative energy powerhouse in the world.
A bipartisan commitment to energy security
Energy policy should transcend partisan divisions. No matter where you live whether in Texas, Tennessee, or anywhere across this great nation access to reliable, affordable energy is essential. The American Energy Dominance Caucus is committed to working across the aisle to ensure that American energy continues to drive economic growth, job creation, and national security. We recognize that different states have different energy strengths, and a strong national strategy leverages all of them.
My home state of Texas has long been a leader in oil and gas production, providing good-paying jobs and fueling our economy. But Texas has also emerged as a leader in wind and solar energy. We shouldn’t have to choose between these energy sources; we should embrace an “all-of-the-above” approach that balances immediate energy needs with long-term innovation.
Strengthening domestic production and infrastructure
To secure American energy dominance, we must increase domestic production and modernize our energy infrastructure. Recent global supply chain disruptions have underscored the risks of relying on foreign energy sources. We cannot afford to be vulnerable to geopolitical instability when it comes to our energy security.
This means investing strategically in pipelines, transmission lines, and refining capacity to ensure that energy whether fossil fuels, renewables, or nuclear can be transported and utilized efficiently. Permitting reform is a key part of this conversation. Delays in energy infrastructure projects not only drive up costs but also slow our progress toward a more resilient energy system. We need a permitting process that is both thorough and timely, enabling responsible development while maintaining environmental protections.
At its core, this approach is about building more, investing in innovation, and ensuring our economy operates at its full potential. The U.S. can provide affordable, abundant energy to every American household and business if we remove unnecessary roadblocks and invest strategically in infrastructure.
Affordability and consumer relief
High energy prices hurt families and businesses alike. Our caucus will advocate for policies that reduce costs for consumers while allowing energy companies to innovate and expand production. This includes supporting domestic energy production to reduce our reliance on imports, investing in new technologies that improve efficiency, and pushing for market reforms that prevent price gouging and volatility.
Energy affordability extends beyond gasoline prices. It impacts home heating bills, electricity costs, and the ability of industries to remain competitive. When energy prices are stable and predictable, businesses can plan for growth, and families can budget with confidence.
Innovation and the energy transition
Energy dominance is not solely about what we have today; it’s about preparing for the future. The United States must lead in the next generation of energy technologies from advanced nuclear reactors to carbon capture, from hydrogen fuel to battery storage.
Public-private partnerships will play a key role in making these innovations commercially viable. The federal government should fund early-stage research and development while ensuring private industry has the incentives and market conditions to scale these breakthroughs.
We must also focus on removing barriers to innovation. This includes streamlining regulatory processes so that energy startups can scale faster, supporting domestic supply chains for critical minerals, and ensuring that the U.S. remains the best place in the world to launch and commercialize new energy solutions.
Additionally, we must prepare the workforce of tomorrow for the jobs these new technologies will create. From skilled trades in construction and maintenance to engineers and researchers developing next-generation solutions, investing in workforce development is key to America’s long-term energy leadership.
A call for pragmatism and leadership
The American Energy Dominance Caucus is not about political rhetoric it’s about results. We need an energy policy that recognizes the strengths of traditional energy industries while embracing the potential of new innovations.
I invite my colleagues, industry leaders, and energy experts to join us in a broad, fact-based discussion about how we can secure America’s energy future. This isn’t just an economic issue; it’s a matter of national security, global leadership, and prosperity for future generations.
The United States has always been at its best when it leads with strength, ingenuity, and determination. By embracing a comprehensive energy policy, we can ensure that America remains the world’s energy leader not just today, but for decades to come.
• Rep. Marc Veasey, a dedicated public servant from Texas, has built a reputation as a leader in energy policy and bipartisan solutions. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Veasey plays a pivotal role in shaping national energy strategy, focusing on American energy security, affordability, and innovation. He recently launched the American Energy Dominance Caucus, aiming to enhance the U.S. role in global energy markets while fostering job creation and economic growth. Rep. Veasey serves on several key subcommittees, including the Subcommittee on Energy, the Subcommittee on Health, and the Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee.
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