State Conservative Energy Leaders Meet on Capitol Hill Amid Rising Demand for Affordable, Reliable Power

June 9, 2026 – WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Conservative Energy Network (CEN) and Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) are convening conservative energy advocates, business leaders, and state energy policy experts from across the country for their annual Capitol Hill fly-in focused on strengthening American energy security, modernizing the electric grid, and ensuring the United States can meet rapidly growing electricity demand.

During the fly-in, participants from 18 states will meet with Congressional offices to discuss the urgent need for policies that support an all-of-the-above American energy strategy, accelerate permitting reform, expand domestic energy production, strengthen transmission infrastructure, and protect long-term energy affordability for consumers.

This year’s fly-in comes as state and federal policymakers grapple with rising electricity demand. At the same time, American consumers continue to face growing concerns about energy affordability and grid reliability.

According to recent national polling commissioned by CEN and conducted by Cygnal, more than 82 percent of voters expressed concern about rising electricity costs, while more than 72 percent reported their household electricity bills have increased over the past two years. The survey also found overwhelming bipartisan support for policies aimed at strengthening America’s electric grid, expanding domestic energy production, and modernizing infrastructure to meet future demand.

“America is in a new era of energy demand, and conservatives across the country understand that meeting this challenge will require serious investment in the infrastructure that powers our economy,” said John Szoka, CEO of CEN. “Families and businesses are already feeling the pressure of rising electricity costs. If we want to support economic growth, strengthen national security, and remain competitive globally, we must pursue policies that expand American energy production, modernize our grid, and make it easier to build the infrastructure required to power America’s future.”

“Conservatives are leading the conversation around practical energy solutions that strengthen reliability, lower costs, and unleash American innovation,” said Heather Reams. “This fly-in provides an important opportunity for state conservative leaders from around the country to engage directly with federal policymakers on the urgent need for permitting reform, domestic energy development, and long-term energy affordability.”

Throughout the fly-in, participants will emphasize that America’s ability to build energy infrastructure quickly and efficiently has become both an economic and national security imperative. Discussions with policymakers will focus on policies that allow the United States to compete and lead in a rapidly changing global economy by accelerating energy development, strengthening grid reliability, and protecting consumer affordability and choice.

Conservative Energy Network (CEN) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit coalition of 26 state-based conservative clean energy organizations championing secure, reliable, affordable, clean American energy. Learn more at www.conservativeenergynetwork.org.