President Donald Trump’s historic victory in November signals a renewed era of American energy dominance. Under this administration, energy exploration, production and transportation will be revitalized, propelling the U.S. to the forefront of global energy leadership. However, achieving this vision will require more than cutting through bureaucratic red tape — it will demand a commitment to unleashing private capital for energy projects across all sectors.
Unfortunately, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is now considering policy changes that could jeopardize the access to capital needed to bolster American energy reliability. At a time when the nation’s energy infrastructure demands urgent investment, such changes could set us back significantly.
FERC’s recent notice of inquiry threatens to upend the existing framework for granting blanket authorizations to investment companies under the Federal Power Act. These authorizations have been instrumental in allowing capital to flow into the energy sector, enabling much-needed investments in public utilities.
If FERC adopts its proposed changes, requiring additional oversight for investments of $10 million or more, it will stifle the very investment that America’s energy infrastructure desperately needs. Investors, faced with increased regulatory hurdles and costs, may shift their capital to industries with fewer barriers, leaving the energy sector starved of resources.
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Industry leaders from the Electric Power Supply Association, Edison Electric Institute and the American Council on Renewable Energy have warned against this proposal. Their joint letter to FERC highlights the detrimental impact on both investors and utilities, stating, “Unnecessarily deterring or raising the costs of investment in the electric industry works directly counter to the Commission’s statutory mission to promote plentiful supplies of electric energy at just and reasonable rates.”
The message is clear: FERC’s proposed policy changes would be a step in the wrong direction at a time when America needs investment in energy infrastructure more than ever.
The Trump administration will prioritize streamlining regulations to expedite energy projects critical to our nation’s prosperity. Today, America faces a crisis of stalled infrastructure: pipeline projects, wind farms, solar installations and transmission lines all fall victim to excessive regulatory delays and litigation.
A 2023 study by Americans for Prosperity identified more than 30 energy infrastructure projects delayed across six states, including the Mountain Valley Pipeline in West Virginia. These delays are not confined to oil and gas but extend to renewable energy projects as well. Without a regulatory overhaul, such bottlenecks will continue to impede progress.
A freer flow of capital, spurred by greater regulatory certainty, is essential to revitalizing these stalled projects. Companies and investors need assurance that their investments in capital-intensive energy projects won’t be tied up in years of red tape and litigation. As Texas Oil and Gas Association President Todd Staples aptly noted, “Policy can promote prosperity, or it can hinder it.”
The stakes for energy reliability have never been higher. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, power demand in the U.S. is set to hit record highs in 2025, driven by data centers, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
Maintaining and expanding a reliable energy grid will require unprecedented levels of investment. However, just as the U.S. faces rising demand, FERC is proposing changes to policies that could limit access to the capital utilities and private companies need to meet this demand.
FERC should abandon its ill-advised policy proposals and focus on fostering an environment where private capital can flow freely into America’s energy future. Under Trump’s leadership, America has the chance to achieve true energy independence. Let’s ensure that outdated bureaucratic barriers don’t stand in the way of progress.
Rick Perry is the former U.S. Secretary of Energy and former Governor of Texas.
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Regulators play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our energy industry, but we must be careful not to let their regulations stifle American energy dominance.
The United States has seen a boom in energy production in recent years, becoming a global leader in oil and natural gas production. This has not only boosted our economy and decreased our reliance on foreign energy sources, but has also helped to lower energy prices for American consumers.
However, some regulators have proposed new regulations that could hinder this progress. Stricter environmental regulations, permitting delays, and other bureaucratic hurdles could slow down energy production and limit our ability to compete on the global stage.
While it is important to prioritize environmental protection and safety, we must also ensure that regulations are reasonable and do not unnecessarily burden energy producers. By striking the right balance, we can continue to grow our energy industry, create jobs, and maintain our position as a dominant force in the global energy market.
So let’s not let regulators stifle American energy dominance. Let’s work together to find smart, sensible solutions that support our energy industry while protecting our environment for future generations.
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