Center for Energy & Environment

Policy Priorities

U.S. energy independence
A secure and resilient U.S. energy sector
A predictable and efficient permitting process
A level playing field for all sources of energy to compete
Increased energy exports and international energy dominance
Realistic, fact-based, and economically viable solutions for complex environmental problems
Energy policies that help America’s most vulnerable and end energy poverty—ensuring that every American has access to affordable, reliable energy

American ingenuity and entrepreneurialism have transformed American energy. When our Nation thrived under America First leadership, the United States achieved a generational strategic goal and moved from a position of chronic energy dependency to true energy independence—providing abundant and affordable energy to American homes and communities and opening new vistas of American dreams and opportunities. Our American energy sector achieved something else as well: in attaining new heights of innovation and development, the United States led the world in generating opportunity, security, and environmental progress. The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) will advance policies to safeguard the freedoms and opportunities presented by our energy potential and rebuild our Nation’s energy independence while advancing clean air and clean water and helping make the greatest economy in the world work for all Americans.

Team

Ambassador Carla Sands

Vice Chair, Center for Energy & Environment

David Vasquez

Senior Policy Analyst for the Center for American Prosperity, the Center for Energy & Environment

Latest

Op-Ed | July 1, 2025

End Biden’s Green Energy Scams Once and For All

Pause for a moment and think about your household budget. Imagine discovering a recurring, uncapped expense, initially sold as modest, that threatens to consume an ever-larger share of your limited budget, with the potential to bankrupt you.

News Release | June 24, 2025

AFPI Appoints Oliver McPherson-Smith as Vice Chair for Energy & Environment

The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) is pleased to announce the return of Oliver McPherson-Smith, PhD as Vice Chair for Energy & Environment.

News Release | June 23, 2025

AFPI Announces New Foreign Policy Initiative, Names Ambassador Carla Sands as Chair

The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) is pleased to announce the creation of the new Foreign Policy Initiative, with Ambassador Carla Sands leading the effort as chair.

Op-Ed | June 17, 2025

Why Greenland Matters to U.S. National Security

Greenland is an essential strategic partner in ensuring peace and security for Americans and Europeans. Located just 600 miles from the U.S. East Coast, Greenland’s geographical positioning, combined with its plethora of energy resources and critical minerals, makes it a geostrategic asset in our global defense architecture. America must protect the world from falling under the control of Russia, China and Iran, and Greenland is key to building an “America First” security infrastructure to protect our nation’s assets and people.

Statement | June 16, 2025

AFPI Supports the Reversal of Restrictive Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Power Plant Rule”

Today, the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) issued the following statement from Ambassador Carla Sands, vice chair for Energy and Environment, and Ted Ellis, director of Power America, regarding the EPA’s proposal to repeal the Biden administration’s power plant rule: