Lawmakers must act on energy affordability

By James Morrone

November’s election results gave us plenty to analyze and talk about. But hidden amongst the shiniest stories and results were votes to curb the rising cost of living, with the spiking cost of electricity at the forefront of voters’ minds.

In Georgia, Democrats flipped two statewide seats on the state’s Public Service Commission, a body that oversees the state’s energy policies, for the first time since 2006. Voters in Georgia are clearly frustrated with the status quo.

In New Jersey, a CNN exit poll showed 87% of all New Jersey voters say electricity costs are a problem where they live, with 58% saying it’s a major problem in their community. This type of frustration with the cost of basic necessities is a flashing red warning sign, and if ignored, is a recipe for disaster for Republicans in 2026.

With the government shutdown ending, there is no excuse why energy prices and affordability aren’t made the priority.

Republicans have a winning message on energy – unleashing opportunity through energy abundance. Embracing those policies through reforms to the federal permitting process could not only be the key to the midterms, but sets the country up for affordable energy, job creation, economic growth, and greater national security.

Energy demand is surging—fueled by electrified homes and vehicles, modern necessities we use every day, and the rise of cloud computing and AI data centers. This trend isn’t slowing down. Electricity consumption and demand are projected to keep rising over the next decade, with an estimated 2–2.5% increase in demand year-over-year, according to a recent Bank of America Institute forecast. ICF predicts a 54% increase in peak electricity demand by 2050. 

The supply of affordable energy must increase, and soon.

The permitting process exists to ensure streamlined and efficient energy systems are built while accounting for residential concerns and proper environmental stewardship. Right now, the permitting system is the exact opposite of streamlined.

All types of energy projects, from pipelines to solar farms, are stuck in regulatory purgatory. Projects that should take months drag on for years, strangled by burdensome red tape and baseless litigation. A recent McKinsey report shed light on the failure of the permitting process, finding it takes an average of four to five years for a project to receive the necessary approvals before starting construction; energy generation and electricity transmission projects take five to six years before receiving the necessary approvals.

This dysfunction drives up energy costs, delays grid modernization, and undermines U.S. competitiveness in key areas of the economy, such as the development of AI. These delays also stop the creation of new, well-paying jobs and increased tax revenues that states need to pay for essential services.

The elongated development of the TransWest Express Transmission project is a clear example of the failures of the permitting process. The application process began in 2007 but the project did not receive approval to start construction until April 2023, despite its capability of transmitting electricity equivalent to “three large-scale nuclear power plants” and generating nearly $891 million in property tax revenue across multiple states over its lifetime.

Energy is going to be a central focus of coming elections, both what it costs and how we produce more. Republican policymakers would be wise to address both if they want to win future elections. Some policymakers understand the nation’s critical need for energy, like Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., who is working hard to advance the SPEED Act. The bill has the potential to streamline the permitting system so that key energy projects can be built.

Democrat lawmakers are already seizing on the opportunity, and in some instances, advocating for deregulating energy projects.

New Jersey Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill promised to freeze utility rates while Virginia Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger promised to cut regulatory red tape for energy projects, also known as permitting reform. Democrats’ sudden embrace is a telling signal and highlights both the opportunity to improve Americans’ lives and that this is not just a left or right issue: It is an American one.  

Everyone knows our permitting system is broken and voters respond to action. It is well past time that policymakers put their money where their mouth is and address energy affordability concerns or suffer the wrath of angry voters.

Republicans face a clear choice: deliver lower energy costs or surrender the majority and the momentum in 2026. Permitting reform offers a practical, high-impact solution, cutting through needless bureaucracy and putting America on a fast track to energy independence. This is more than a political necessity; it’s the only way the nation can meet the moment and power itself into the future.

James Morrone Jr. is energy policy analyst at Americans for Prosperity. 

_{*The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of EnergyPlatform.News.}