Conservative Energy Network Launches “American Powerhouse”

Campaign to highlight the importance of a secure, reliable, and affordable power grid

July 24, 2024 – LANSING, Mich. – The Conservative Energy Network (CEN) today launched the “American Powerhouse,” a new campaign promoting the conservative case for transmission reform and grid modernization. The campaign launch includes the unveiling of www.americanpowerhouse.org, a home for transmission-centric conservative viewpoints and educational resources. A short video entitled “American Powerhouse” is being premiered to attendees at the annual meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) in Denver, Colorado throughout the week and is also viewable on the new website.

“America is a powerhouse that invents breakthrough technologies and builds for the future while creating American jobs,” said John Szoka, CEN CEO. “The launch of the ‘American Powerhouse’ campaign reinforces CEN’s commitment to supporting the development of a modernized power grid so our country is ready to navigate the challenges of the 21st Century. America cannot be truly energy independent if we do not have secure, reliable, and affordable access to energy.”

Energy powers America. With demand for power surging due to the rapid increase of artificial intelligence in data centers, reshoring of manufacturing facilities, and the electrification of America, we must champion an expansion of energy generation and transmission. Increased transmission capacity will allow for the expansion of more domestic energy production, freeing America from dependence on foreign sources of energy.

The bipartisan Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 was introduced this week by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Joe Manchin (I-WV). This policy would cut regulatory red tape and enable a more efficient deployment of needed critical energy infrastructure. Economic analysis has shown that well-planned transmission projects can add up to $42 billion to the national GDP, boost direct local spending by nearly $39 billion, and create more than 400,000 new jobs. You can view CEN’s statement on the policy’s introduction here.

Previous polling from CEN has found that more than 60% of voters believe a modern power grid would increase American jobs, reliability, and national security. 73% of voters agree that a modern power grid is necessary to maintain life in the 21st Century. Furthermore, 62% of voters support cutting regulations and red tape that slow energy development. This includes 67% of Republicans and 62% of Independents.