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
Chair, Foreign Policy Initiative & Senior Fellow for Energy Policy
Oliver McPherson-Smith,Ph.D
Vice Chair, Energy & Environment
Jason Hayes
Director, Energy and Environment
Ted Ellis
Campaign Director, Power America and Deputy Director, Energy and Environment
David Vasquez
Senior Policy Analyst, American Prosperity and Energy & Environment
Samuel Buchan
Senior Fellow, Energy & Environment
Joshua Antonini
Policy Analyst, Energy and Environment
Latest
Letter to Congress
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April 2, 2026
AFPI Urges Congress to Advance Nuclear Energy
On behalf of the America First Policy Institute, we write to urge you to closely review forthcoming regulation from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Specifically, the NRC’s recently finalized rule under 10 C.F.R. Part 53 and an in-progress framework for microreactors should be assessed to determine if further action from Congress is needed to secure the reforms that advanced nuclear deployment requires. The NRC has described Part 53 as seeking to create a risk-informed, technology-inclusive licensing pathway that would make advanced-reactor licensing faster, simpler, and more cost-effective.
Bill Analysis
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March 23, 2026
Analysis of S. 3836/H.R. 6409, The Foreign Emissions and Nonattainment Clarification for Economic Stability (FENCES) Act
America is home to the world’s leading producers, innovators, and industrial powerhouses. U.S. manufacturers produce goods that are twice as clean as the global average. American companies produce goods that emit 40% less CO2 than the global average for the same products. American natural gas production emits 30% less fugitive emissions than Russian production, and fuel switching from coal to natural gas has driven world-leading reductions in CO2 emissions.
Bill Analysis
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March 23, 2026
Analysis of H.J. Res. 140, congressional disapproval of Public Land Order No. 7917
Op-Ed
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March 21, 2026
Energy Dominance in Action: Why America’s First New Refinery in Decades Matters
Bill Analysis
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March 20, 2026
Analysis of Florida H.B. 1461, an Act Relating to Advanced Nuclear Reactors
Florida’s H.B. 1461 positions Florida to lead in the development of advanced nuclear for reliable, around-the-clock generation. Leadership in advanced nuclear energy can help Florida strengthen its electric power grid, support investment in affordable, reliable power, and protect the existing ~3.7 GW nuclear fleet, and help moderate electricity costs that spiked during the Biden Administration.
Topics
54
issues
Videos
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Congressman Pete Stauber on Critical Minerals, American Mining, and the Path to Energy Security
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America First Policy Institute Global Energy Summit
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National Academy of Sciences’ Fast-Track Climate Review is a Political End-Run
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Energizing Pennsylvania Fueling America’s Future
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H.R.1 Energy Roundtable Discussion
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Unleashing U.S. Energy Dominance Livestream Discussion
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The Urgent Need to Restore American Energy Independence
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Rick Perry joined Cavuto Live on Fox to discuss the energy crisis and oil restrictions from Russia
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Rick Perry joined Mornings with Maria on Fox Business to discuss the energy crisis
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Administrator Andrew Wheeler joined ‘Mornings with Maria’ on Fox Business
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Administrator Andrew Wheeler joined Fox Business Tonight with David Asman
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