Unleashing American energy: A pro-growth path to secure energy dominance

America stands at an energy crossroads. Data centers, artificial intelligence, advanced American manufacturing and an increasingly digital economy are driving demand for electricity most of us have never seen in our lifetime.

Forecast after forecast shows the same thing: America needs more electricity, and fast. 

Our country can’t afford to wait. The energy industry operates on extended timelines demanding foresight: projects are typically planned with forecasts over 5-10 years. And from initial concept to permitting to actual generation, bringing energy at scale onto the grid takes anywhere from three to more than 10 years. This means decisions we delay today could leave Americans facing energy shortages well into the 2030s and beyond.

The choices we make today determine whether America can truly unleash energy dominance and come out as the winner tomorrow in the global artificial intelligence (AI) race while reestablishing American industrial dominance.

As the chairman and CEO of America’s largest electricity provider and a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, we share a common goal: securing America’s energy future through a balanced, forward-looking approach that embraces all forms of energy. 

That’s why we are advocating for policies that ensure continued investment in technologies that strengthen U.S. energy security and foster private-sector innovation.

We strongly support gas-fired and nuclear power plants and believe they will continue to play a vital role in America’s energy independence. However, neither technology is available at the scale needed to meet America’s demand for electricity right now. 

New gas-fired plants not already in development won’t be ready until 2030. New nuclear technology wouldn’t potentially be available until five years after that.

Even delaying coal retirements and restarting shuttered nuclear power plants won’t be enough to bridge the gap.

And that’s a major problem. Without new electrons flowing into the grid, Americans run the risk of higher energy prices and widespread power outages.

The good news is that Americans don’t need to take that chance. Renewable energy and battery storage technology, backed by a robust supply chain, can be deployed onto America’s grid in as little as 12 to 18 months. And technology-neutral energy tax credits can help get more of this energy onto the grid and keep power prices low.

In fact, preserving energy credits can prevent nationwide electricity prices from increasing nearly 10 percent by 2029, according to NERA Economic Consulting. Conversely, The Brattle Group warns repealing energy tax credits would cost the U.S. economy $820 billion over the next decade.

But it doesn’t just stop at commonsense tax credits that flow to everyday Americans.

We must also look for obvious ways to unshackle major infrastructure projects from bureaucratic red tape. 

While regulation is certainly necessary and welcome, it shouldn’t hinder America’s ability to start the very projects that enable American energy dominance — from new power plants to critical transmission lines that carry electricity long distances into communities across America.

All told, supporting a balanced, market-driven approach can unlock billions in private investment, create thousands of high-paying jobs and reinforce America’s leadership in the global energy economy.

At such a critical juncture, we must collaborate to create an energy framework that supports growth, innovation and long-term sustainability. 

By embracing all forms of energy, maintaining many energy tax credits and implementing quick wins on the permitting front, we can ensure a strong, resilient energy future that benefits every American — now and for generations to come. 

Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks is a Republican representing Iowa’s 1st Congressional District and a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. John Ketchum is the chairman and CEO of NextEra Energy, one of the nation's largest capital infrastructure investors.