C3 Journal on
Essays, evidence, and original arguments from the writers shaping this conversation.
Energy
America’s rural population of 66 million could benefit immensely from emerging technologies and a future of abundance. In particular, long-duration energy storage (LDES) could unlock cheaper, more reliable electricity for rural Americans all over the country. Unfortunately, regulatory problems could slow down or even prevent progress on LDES. Now is the time to fix these issues and pave the way for solutions.
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Energy
Necessity, the proverb says, is the mother of invention. That indicates that the reason behind most innovations is that they fill a need. Many of us have a different, more modern way to explain that same observation: free markets work. People see a need, and they innovate to fill it, often crafting a new product or service.
Energy
The term “moon shot” was launched in the 1940s, according to research by the Oxford English Dictionary. “The real result of all the work which would have to go into the moon shot,” Rotarian magazine wrote in 1949, “would be the knowledge of how to build and operate rockets of such size.”
Energy
Two bills recently passed by the U.S. House—H.R.5631, the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act, and H.R.1687, the CLEAN Act—take direct aim at this regulatory dysfunction. Together, they represent a consequential step toward realizing the full extent of the geothermal opportunity as the legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Energy
After two decades of flat demand, power consumption is surging. Grid Strategies forecasts 5.7 percent annual growth over the next five years, and the peak demand could be equivalent to 15 times New York City’s peak energy consumption. Meanwhile, electricity prices are rising faster than inflation, and families and businesses across the country are feeling the effects. It’s clear we need more supply, and nuclear power can be part of the solution. It’s safe, clean, dependable, and scalable. The key question for policymakers and ratepayers alike is: Is it cost-competitive?
Energy
The fallout in global energy markets from the ongoing conflict in Iran demonstrates the perils of overrelying on a single energy source like oil to meet America’s energy needs. As countries are forced to ration fuel and subsidize energy costs, sustainable alternatives like geothermal power are receiving renewed and well-deserved attention for their ability to deliver reliable, always-on power without the risks of price volatility or supply disruptions.
Energy
When President Trump stood before Congress in February 2026, he delivered a stark message to America’s technology leaders: “You have an obligation to provide for your own power needs.” His call to action on behind-the-meter nuclear power for data centers wasn’t mere rhetoric. It was a recognition that the energy demands of artificial intelligence and modern computing require a fundamental shift in how we power our economy.
Energy
A new bill in the Sunshine State’s legislature seeks to streamline the approval process for constructing nuclear reactors.
Energy
In its most recent foray against offshore wind, the administration announced it would appeal court rulings that allowed five offshore wind projects to proceed despite last December’s blanket construction halt on national security grounds. Yet the Administration’s ongoing actions risk derailing the possibility of reforming our broken permitting system—a downside far greater than allowing five fully permitted wind projects to go forward.
Energy
The Department of Energy recently announced that certain advanced nuclear reactor projects can qualify for a categorical exclusion from the National Environmental Policy Act’s (NEPA) full review process. The move is a practical step forward to accelerate innovation, reduce unnecessary cost and delay, and strengthen U.S. competitiveness in nuclear energy.
Energy
By many measures, the Texas electricity grid was put to the test in 2025. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) reported near-record power demand, with electricity use in the first three quarters of 2025 up about 5 percent from the prior year – the fastest growth of any U.S. grid. Since 2023, wind, solar, and energy storage have been the fastest-growing sources of electricity in Texas, all helping meet rising demand.
