The Trump administration on Monday said it would repeal a Biden-era rule that allowed public lands to be leased for conservation purposes, abandoning an effort to protect millions of acres from both industrial development and the effects of climate change. The rule, issued by the Bureau of Land Management, had prioritized the use of federal...
Congress’ Quick Fix For Astronomical Gas Prices Is Anything But
The national average for gas prices has surpassed $4.50 per gallon, up roughly 45% from a year ago. If Congress passes a bill that allows for year-round higher ethanol content in gasoline (“E15”) without protecting small refineries, Americans’ pain at the pump will only get worse.
Passing a strong Farm Bill that delivers for rural America
When I came to Congress, I was committed to giving farmers, producers, and working families a seat at the table and delivering results for those who make Iowa’s 4th district a strong and productive community. Serving one of the largest agricultural districts in the nation, I kept a clear goal: pass a strong, comprehensive Farm...
A New Regulatory Paradigm for Advanced Nuclear Energy
In the coming months, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will finalize a slate of rulemakings that, taken together, represent the most consequential overhaul of America’s nuclear regulatory framework in nearly 70 years. The modernizations will address many significant regulatory cost drivers that have disadvantaged advanced nuclear energy as a reliable, emissions-free, dispatchable source of power. For nuclear energy to be a viable option, it needs to work for the American taxpayer and ratepayer. The NRC’s reforms give all forms of nuclear power a better shot at doing so.
California investigates Trump administration’s deal to end an offshore wind project
California is investigating one of the Trump administration’s deals to end an offshore wind project. Golden State Wind was a floating offshore wind project proposed off California’s central coast. The California Energy Commission said Monday it issued an administrative subpoena to Golden State Wind. The commission said it is seeking documents and information about the...
A Growing Grid Needs Market Discipline: Five Principles for Transmission Policy
In a rare Level 3 alert, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) warns that hyperscale data centers are introducing volatile, hard-to-predict load swings—where gigawatts can drop off the grid in seconds—that utilities aren’t equipped to manage, creating a new reliability risk as electricity demand surges. This comes on the heels of recent Senate and House hearings on the state of the bulk power system and how to meet growing electricity demand while protecting ratepayers.
Critical Minerals Policy Needs Clear Guardrails
Critical minerals have become a marquee issue in Washington over the past several years, driven by growing concern that the United States and its allies depend too heavily on China for materials that are indispensable to both the civilian economy and the defense industry.
House passes sprawling farm bill despite GOP infighting
The House on Thursday passed a major bill reauthorizing agricultural and food programs for the next five years, overcoming GOP infighting that delayed and threatened to derail the legislation this week. The lower chamber voted 224-200 to pass the measure, with 209 Republicans, 14 Democrats and one independent voting to support it. Three Republicans and...
Trump administration to pay 2 more companies to walk away from US offshore wind leases
The Trump administration announced two more payouts Monday for energy companies to walk away from U.S. offshore wind projects under development. Bluepoint Wind and Golden State Wind have agreed to end their offshore wind leases in exchange for reimbursements totaling nearly $900 million. Both companies have decided not to pursue any new offshore wind projects...
A Consumer-First Framework for Transmission Reform
Transmission is one of the most inefficiently regulated forms of infrastructure in the United States. Regulatory flaws reward inefficient projects, underdevelop efficient projects, and underutilize existing infrastructure. This has caused escalating transmission costs to consumers, while the gap between transmission need and infrastructure capacity widens.









