U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Bice emphasizes that energy is foundational to a strong economy, highlighting how energy prices significantly impact all sectors, from goods harvesting to transportation [54b3952e]. The increasing dependence on foreign energy resources has raised concerns about safety and economic strain, particularly as gas prices reached a record high of $5 per gallon [54b3952e].
Bice criticizes the Biden-Harris Administration's regulations, which she claims have led to substantial economic losses, including $3.4 billion from canceled offshore oil leases and the halted construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline [54b3952e]. In response to these challenges, House Republicans have introduced the Lower Energy Costs Act, aimed at increasing domestic energy production and reforming permitting processes to enhance energy independence [54b3952e].
At COP29 in Baku on November 16, 2024, Congressman August Pfluger emphasized the importance of nuclear energy for achieving energy independence. He noted overwhelming American support for President Donald Trump's energy dominance promise and highlighted that U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from the energy sector have decreased by 14.5% since 2007, with emissions from the electricity sector dropping by over 28% since 2005 [61af57e5]. Pfluger criticized the dependency on foreign nations, particularly China, which accounts for nearly 30% of global emissions. He advocated for a diverse energy portfolio that includes nuclear, liquefied natural gas, hydropower, and clean coal [61af57e5].
Pfluger also highlighted the Nuclear Fuel Security Act, aimed at strengthening domestic uranium production and reducing reliance on foreign sources [61af57e5]. As global energy demand is projected to double by 2050, he emphasized the need for collaboration to ensure energy security while maintaining environmental responsibility [61af57e5].
In a recent opinion piece, authors Diana Furchtgott-Roth and Alexander Gonzales argue that nuclear energy is essential for America's energy future. They reference Jack Spencer's book, "Nuclear Revolution: Powering the Next Generation," which stresses the need for nuclear power expansion to address challenges faced by the U.S. electricity grid due to reliance on intermittent renewable sources [5f7d991f]. The authors warn that over 75% of U.S. rare earth imports come from China, and current policies risk repeating past energy vulnerabilities. They call for reforms that allow free enterprise in nuclear energy, emphasizing that government should focus on public safety, international partnerships, and uranium market stability [5f7d991f]. Private sector innovation is deemed crucial for advancing nuclear technology, and the debate on the necessity of nuclear energy is considered settled, shifting the focus to its implementation [5f7d991f].
Adding to the discourse, William Zadrowski from Modern Diplomacy highlights that nuclear energy can significantly help ease U.S. energy demand, which has steadily increased over the last fifty years. In 2023, fossil fuels accounted for over 80% of U.S. energy consumption, while nuclear energy currently provides about 9% of the nation's electricity [24659dbd]. Public opposition to nuclear power largely stems from past disasters like Chornobyl, Fukushima, and Three Mile Island, yet the geopolitical landscape, including tensions from the Russo-Ukraine war, underscores the need for the U.S. to bolster its nuclear capabilities to match China's growing output and enhance energy security [24659dbd]. Increasing nuclear output could reduce dependency on foreign fossil fuels and improve the overall resilience of the U.S. energy sector [24659dbd].
Moreover, permitting reform has emerged as a strategic imperative for U.S. national security and global competitiveness. The current U.S. permitting process delays energy projects by years, which is increasingly problematic given rising energy demand and competition from China [cbf69c98]. The Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 (EPRA) aims to expedite energy infrastructure upgrades, which are crucial for military installations that depend on a resilient civilian power grid for operations [cbf69c98]. Robbie Diamond, CEO of SAFE, emphasizes the urgency for these reforms, noting that high-tech industries also rely on robust energy infrastructure [cbf69c98]. The current permitting system incurs hidden costs for the Department of Defense (DoD) and can disrupt military operations during severe weather events [cbf69c98]. With China prioritizing energy infrastructure, the U.S. must act swiftly to ensure its energy security and economic resilience [cbf69c98]. The interplay between energy policy and economic performance remains a vital area of focus for lawmakers and the public alike [6f70f567].