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Red States Lead the Energy Revolution

July 18, 2025

Need to know

Common Sense

RED STATES PUSHING FOR ENERGY DOMINANCE: Republican-led states are advancing energy reforms aligned with President Trump’s “energy dominance” agenda, arguing it fuels growth and strengthens national security.

Why it matters: A cornerstone of the Trump administration, as it pursues domestic oil and gas production, is to allow states to begin streamlining the permitting process for energy infrastructure and limiting regulations that hinder energy development. Not coincidentally, this is the second point in our Common Sense Energy Agenda.

While this is encouraging, it isn’t enough. What’s needed is federal legislation that declares natural gas as the clean energy standard, much like Louisiana did recently. Only then will Americans have true energy security.

Consider:

  • Cutting red tape and needless regulations at every level of government spurs entrepreneurship, which translates into more jobs, economic prosperity and lower energy prices for all.
  • TEA often touts “Build, Baby, Build” — and for good reason. Natural gas requires new infrastructure such as pipelines, export terminals and electric grid improvements in order to operate efficiently and safely.
  • Energy Secretary Chris Wright noted the “Triple B” theme in remarks in February at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC): “We want things built in America. We want those jobs in America, which means we need that energy produced and consumed in America.”

And American Energy Patriots from coast to coast said, “Amen.”

A few examples:

  1. On Tuesday, President Trump and Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) announced a $90 billion investment in Pennsylvania, a state rich in natural gas and nuclear power. This is a purple state that Trump won last fall, campaigning on lower-cost energy.
  2. In April, Indiana became another state to get on board with American natural gas, defining the fuel as clean energy. It puts natural gas and oil on a more level playing field with heavily subsidized renewables, wind, and solar.
  3. Alabama, Ohio, and South Carolina are using their legislative power to unleash American energy for the benefit of their constituents.

This clearly should not be a partisan issue, but unfortunately, many Democrat-controlled states have staunchly (and blindly) opposed hydrocarbons. We think this is changing slowly, as evidenced by California, which is pushing back less amid high electricity rates and soaring gasoline prices.

California currently has the highest average gas price at $4.54 per gallon. Most states are experiencing a wave of lower gas prices not seen since 2021; the national average is around $3.17 per gallon.

Bottom line: Red states are passing legislation that prioritizes affordable and reliable energy as a clear alternative to extreme climate policies. States that embrace energy dominance will lead, while other states will fall behind.

 

Nonsense

DEMOCRATS AIM TO MAKE IRA REPEAL A 2026 WEAPON: Democrats struggled last year to sell Biden’s clean energy tax breaks as a path to lower prices, a stronger grid, and more jobs.

When all else fails, play the money card. Now, the GOP’s sweeping bill gives them a second shot — this time by arguing Republican policies will hit Americans in the wallet.

Why it matters: The wailing and gnashing of teeth is typical for the left when it comes to anything that threatens their precious subsidies; you know, billions of taxpayer dollars being wasted on wind and solar projects. The sting of defeat at the polls has made their thinking more delusional than ever.

But, as energy expert Robert Bryce often points out, the numbers are staggering, with handouts projected to cost taxpayers $421 billion by 2034.

Consider:

  • Unreliable energy advocates claim solar panels and battery storage are now able to deliver “baseload” power at a lower cost than coal or nuclear power. Read this piece for the truth on solar baseloads.
  • Democrats believe the time is ripe to revive the call to speed the growth of wind and solar power — and bash the Republicans for taking the green power incentives off the table.
  • They also contend that Trump’s law will spike power prices by making renewable electricity more expensive. Spoiler alert: Renewables are always more expensive and always less reliable.

Finally, let’s talk about jobs, which the Democrats foolishly love to do when discussing energy. According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, renewable energy supported 546,630 American jobs in 2022. The U.S. oil and natural gas industry supports almost 11 million workers.

There simply is no comparison.

One noted GOP strategist said: “Voters associate liberals with prioritizing climate change over energy affordability.” The 2024 general election unmistakably showed which options most Americans prefer.

Bottom line: Voters know that green-at-all-cost policies mean more expensive energy, which is a big reason why Republicans won in 2024. If Democrats continue to try to sell the Green New Scam as a way to reduce energy costs, they’ll continue to lose.

 

A look ahead

Hearing On NEPA Reviews: On Tuesday, July 22, the House Natural Resources Committee will have an oversight hearing on “Permitting Purgatory: Restoring Common Sense to NEPA Reviews.”

Hearing On “The New Atomic Age”: On Tuesday, July 22, the House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs will have a hearing on “The New Atomic Age: Advancing America’s Energy Future.”

Hearing On Environmental Nominations: On Wednesday, July 23, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will have a hearing on the nominations to the Council on Environmental Quality and Environmental Protection Agency.

Hearing On Electricity Demand: On Wednesday, July 23, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will have a hearing to examine challenges to meeting increased electricity demand.

 

Quote of the week

“We have bountiful energy in Pennsylvania. We have the fourth largest natural gas reserves in the world. We need to get back to building nuclear capability. We need to frack and get this natural gas out of the ground.”

Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.)