Energy

AFPI Applauds Protection of Responsible Minnesota Mining

Washington, D.C.—Jason Hayes, Director of Energy and Environment, and Ted Ellis, Campaign Director, Power America and Deputy Director of Energy and Environment, America First Policy Institute (AFPI) released the following statement: “AFPI applauds the actions taken by the Minnesota House to halt an arbitrary and harmful Biden Administration ban on mining in Minnesota.

Energy Dominance: Lowering Costs Powering the Future

The number on the gas station sign says it all: $2.97 per gallon. For the first time in four years, that price will be a reality for the average American in 2026, according to GasBuddy’s report released Tuesday. This is the expected result of a clear shift in how our leaders approach energy: a return to American energy abundance.

Comment Opposing Surrender and Decommission of the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project, Project No. 77-332

Setting the Bearings for A Rocky Road Ahead

On October 10, 2025, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) introduced new export controls for both critical minerals[1] (CMs) and rare earth elements[2] (REEs). The CCP implemented a new rule that specifies exports that are used in U.S. military equipment, or those with dual-use applications for military assets, even those containing as little as 0.1% of REEs, are prohibited from being sent to the United States. In response, the Trump Administration moved to secure the United States' national security interests by proposing a 100% tariff on all Chinese goods by November 1, 2025. After Chairman Xi and President Trump met at APEC 2025, China announced that it would delay its export controls for a year, with the U.S. agreeing to do the same on its tariffs.

SPEED Act: Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development

The Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act restores the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) to its original purpose as a procedural check rather than a tool to weaponize against lawful energy and infrastructure projects.