Advanced Energy Perspectives

America is at a crossroads. For the first time in decades, we’re experiencing a sharp rise in load growth driven by data center expansion, a resurgence in domestic manufacturing, and increased electrification. Without effective policies, consumer costs could rise, businesses may face investment uncertainty, and grid reliability may be at risk. But that doesn’t have to be the case. 

Incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) are working as intended: they are spurring increased deployment of new wind, solar, and electric vehicle (EV) charging projects, and advanced energy manufacturing projects are proliferating across the country. But there remain regulations that are stalling further investment. In particular, cumbersome permitting processes for energy projects have created significant roadblocks to our 100% clean energy goals and imperil the energy transition. In response, permitting reform is a key priority for the 118th Congress.