Center for Energy & Environment

Policy Priorities

U.S. energy independence
A secure and resilient U.S. energy sector
A predictable and efficient permitting process
A level playing field for all sources of energy to compete
Increased energy exports and international energy dominance
Realistic, fact-based, and economically viable solutions for complex environmental problems
Energy policies that help America’s most vulnerable and end energy poverty—ensuring that every American has access to affordable, reliable energy

American ingenuity and entrepreneurialism have transformed American energy. When our Nation thrived under America First leadership, the United States achieved a generational strategic goal and moved from a position of chronic energy dependency to true energy independence—providing abundant and affordable energy to American homes and communities and opening new vistas of American dreams and opportunities. Our American energy sector achieved something else as well: in attaining new heights of innovation and development, the United States led the world in generating opportunity, security, and environmental progress. The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) will advance policies to safeguard the freedoms and opportunities presented by our energy potential and rebuild our Nation’s energy independence while advancing clean air and clean water and helping make the greatest economy in the world work for all Americans.

Team

Ambassador Carla Sands

Vice Chair, Center for Energy & Environment

Oliver McPherson-Smith, Ph.D

Director, Center for Energy & Environment

David Vasquez

Policy Analyst for the Center for American Prosperity, the Center for Energy & Environment

Beatrice Brooke

Senior Advisor, Center for American Prosperity and Center for Energy & Environment

Samuel Buchan

Visiting Fellow, Center for Energy & Environment

Latest

Op-Ed | October 2, 2024

Beijing’s nickel glut leaves America penniless

America’s vast mineral wealth has underwritten our nation’s evolution into an economic and military superpower. From the gold rush that fueled the race westward almost 200 years ago to the iron ore and coal miners that powered the construction of bridges, skyscrapers, rail lines and military vessels, mining has been central to American prosperity.

Fact Sheet | September 9, 2024

Pennsylvania’s Lithium Abundance

Pennsylvania plays a crucial role in the development of the American energy industry.

Op-Ed | September 9, 2024

Kamala Harris Would Be A Total Disaster For American Energy

President Dwight Eisenhower once declared that “pessimism never won any battle.” Yet, many Americans are understandably pessimistic these days.

| August 21, 2024

The Costs of Banning Fracking

Proposals to ban hydraulic fracturing within the oil and gas industry (i.e., “fracking”) have re-entered the public conversation. Unfortunately, pro-ban advocates either ignore or are ignorant of the economic, environmental, and national security benefits associated with fracking technology.

Fact Sheet | August 1, 2024