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Report: The US Has Achieved Energy Independence—Now Comes the Hard Part

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The US has achieved a long-desired goal: energy independence. Since 2019, the US has been a net exporter of energy, with 2023 marking a record year for energy exports and peak oil production levels. But sustaining this independence in a reliable and affordable way remains a challenge.

A new report from the Committee for Economic Development (CED), the public policy center of The Conference Board, warns that rising permitting delays, global clean tech competition, regulatory imbalances, and uncertainty around tax credits could jeopardize America’s energy advantage.

“Energy independence isn’t just about production—it’s about building a resilient, diversified energy system that can power new technologies, support exports, and meet growing demand,” said David K. Young, President of CED. “By modernizing infrastructure, balancing fossil fuels and renewables, and letting markets guide the way, we can keep the US secure and competitive.”

The report urges policymakers and business leaders to adopt a pragmatic, market-driven approach to energy—one that supports innovation, maintains regulatory neutrality, and leverages the full spectrum of US energy resources to strengthen long-term economic leadership.

 

Policy Recommendations for a Sustainable Energy Strategy

To sustain US energy independence and promote energy transmission and energy resilience, policymakers and business leaders should recognize that:

 

  • Both fossil fuels and renewables are important parts of energy independence.
  • The power of markets should drive energy policy as much as possible, and government should seek to interfere with or skew markets as little as possible.
  • Regulation should be based upon sound science, promote fair competition, and be as source-neutral as possible to permit markets to work.
  • As tax credits for clean energy are sunsetted, states will have an increasingly important role in promoting US clean energy industries, which preserves US jobs in these industries.
  • Permitting reform is essential for the modernization and expansion of the electric grid, including adding new capacity from all sources.
  • US business has an active and urgent role to play in leading energy innovation and growing exports of both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and clean energy products as well as promoting emissions reductions in their business interest.

About The Conference Board

The Conference Board is the member-driven think tank that delivers Trusted Insights for What's Ahead®®. Founded in 1916, we are a non-partisan, not-for-profit entity holding 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in the United States. ConferenceBoard.org

The Committee for Economic Development (CED) is the public policy center of The Conference Board. The nonprofit, nonpartisan, business-led organization delivers well-researched analysis and reasoned solutions in the nation’s interest. CED Trustees are chief executive officers and key executives of leading US companies who bring their unique experience to address today’s pressing policy issues. Collectively, they represent 30+ industries and over 4 million employees. ConferenceBoard.org/us/Committee-Economic-Development

 

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