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, Energy & Environment

Jason Hayes

Director, Energy and Environment

David Vasquez

Senior Policy Analyst, American Prosperity and Energy & Environment

Latest

Statement | August 13, 2025

AFPI Applauds EPA Guidance That Helps Keep Trucks and Tractors Working—and America Moving

The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) today welcomed the Environmental Protection Agency’s new Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) guidance, developed in partnership with industry leaders and workers, to help prevent sudden shutdowns, give drivers and farmers time to fix issues, and keep freight and farm work running on schedule, while continuing to protect air quality.

Op-Ed | August 1, 2025

Fueling Poverty, Not Progress: Why Extending Cap and Trade to 2045 Is a Bad Deal

As President Donald Trump champions a “big, beautiful” economic revival, California’s cap-and-trade program stands as a stark reminder of legacy policies that burden everyday Americans for no clear gain. This system, which forces oil companies to buy emission allowances to cover the carbon emissions from the fuel they sell, drives gasoline prices to punishing heights. This hits (you guessed it) working-class Californians the hardest. But just as America stands at the precipice of economic revival after four hard years, some advocates say it’s time to extend cap-and-trade policies. I couldn’t disagree more – it’s time to reject this flawed approach that “enriches” the state at the expense of its people.

Statement | July 31, 2025

AFPI Welcomes EPA Proposal to Roll Back Obama-Era Greenhouse Gas Regulations

Today, AFPI Executive Vice President and former Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt released the following statement regarding U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin’s July 29, 2025, announcement of a proposed rule to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding:

Fact Sheet | July 21, 2025

Energy Dominance Wins in the One Big Beautiful Bill

New, expanded green energy tax credits were signed into law in 2022 as part of the far-Left’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), also known as the Big Government Socialism bill.

Op-Ed | July 16, 2025

‘Green’ Regulations Could Be the End of the Road for California Drivers

Remember the California dream? Golden sunshine, endless opportunity, and a car to take you there. For many, that dream now sputters to a halt at the gas station, with prices that feel like a punch to the gut. We’re told it’s a complex global issue and that greedy oil companies are at fault. Meanwhile, across most of the country the average gasoline prices have dropped to the lowest levels in roughly four years—suggesting that California’s far higher prices are self-inflicted. Indeed, a significant part of this pain is homegrown, a direct result of state policies like the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). And with recently implemented new rules, the already crushing burden on California families and businesses could send prices soaring towards an unthinkable eight dollars per gallon. This isn’t just about fuel; it’s about our ability to live and thrive.