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

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

Statement | April 16, 2026

AFPI Responds to the Senate Passage of the Congressional Review Act Resolution

Statement | April 16, 2026

AFPI Responds to the House Passage of the FENCES Act

Statement | April 15, 2026

AFPI Celebrates Wins in the WFTC on Tax Day

On Tax Day 2026, American families and workers are experiencing the impact of President Trump’s the Working Families Tax Cuts Act (WFTC). Signed into law on July 4, 2025, this historic legislation is delivering wins for working families, small businesses, parents, seniors and farmers across the Nation. AFPI commends President Trump and America First leaders in Congress for putting more money back in the hands of hardworking Americans.

Podcast | April 9, 2026

We Need More Refineries— Governor Phil Bryant on America First Energy

Former Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant discusses the critical role refining capacity plays in America’s energy future and argues that common-sense energy policy is essential to lowering costs for working families.

Letter to Congress | 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.