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Articles by Nick Loris
How America’s Memory Chip Squeeze Is Another Affordability Challenge %
How America’s Memory Chip Squeeze Is Another Affordability Challenge Americans just lived through one chip shortage. They’re about to live through another, and this one could hit their wallets even harder. The culprit this time isn’t a pandemic disrupting factories; it’s an artificial intelligence (AI) boom devouring the world’s memory chip supply. If Washington isn’t careful, the policy response could make the problem worse, not better.
Trump Extends Jones Act Waiver. Here’s Why Congress Should Make It Permanent %
Trump Extends Jones Act Waiver. Here’s Why Congress Should Make It Permanent The Trump administration recently extended its Jones Act waiver for another 90 days, allowing goods shipped between US ports to travel on foreign vessels. The Jones Act requires domestic cargo to move on ships that are built, owned, and crewed by Americans.
Will the Ratepayer Protection Pledge Work? %
Will the Ratepayer Protection Pledge Work? As Americans crank up their air conditioning bills in the summer months, the importance of affordable, dependable power is critical but often taken for granted. Especially today, families are more acutely aware of how much they’re paying as electricity rates have risen at a pace more than double the rate of inflation over the past year.
DOE’s Transmission Needs Study Is Out. These Principles Should Guide the Policy %
DOE’s Transmission Needs Study Is Out. These Principles Should Guide the Policy Electricity rates are rising faster than inflation and are felt by households across America. After decades of flat electricity demand, the country is experiencing significant load growth, driven by hyperscale AI data centers, resurgent domestic manufacturing, and the steady electrification of buildings and vehicles.
Modernizing the National Historic Preservation Act
Heading into the August recess, policymakers continue to hash out the details of a comprehensive permitting bill in hopes of sending it to President Trump’s desk this Congress. There is bipartisan recognition that permitting reform is essential to improving energy affordability and reliability, and to meeting our environmental ambitions. As the discussions on Capitol Hill evolve, one law starting to receive more attention for reform is the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
Mission Critical Energy Investments Can Be a Boon for American Energy Dominance
Mission Critical Energy Investments Can Be a Boon for American Energy Dominance Defense-driven innovation has repeatedly reshaped the American economy. Advanced nuclear and other mission-critical technologies could become the next major breakthrough. The Department of Defense’s (DOD) investments in mission-critical technologies have helped catalyze some of America’s largest technological breakthroughs, with significant positive spillovers for the economy.
Three Reforms to Improve Nuclear Energy’s Economic Outlook
Three Reforms to Improve Nuclear Energy’s Economic Outlook Outdated regulations and high procedural requirements are inflating nuclear costs and slowing America’s clean energy expansion. Nuclear energy is safe, clean, reliable, and scalable. It can power the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, revitalize industrial communities, and help meet our environmental ambitions. So why does building a nuclear plant in the United States cost so much?
3 Proposals to Reduce the Time and Cost of Nuclear Deployment
Nick Loris condensed his recent testimony before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee’s Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Innovation and Safety. You can see the full testimony here. 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.
Congress’ Quick Fix For Astronomical Gas Prices Is Anything But
The national average for gas prices has surpassed $4.50 per gallon, up roughly 45% from a year ago. If Congress passes a bill that allows for year-round higher ethanol content in gasoline (“E15”) without protecting small refineries, Americans’ pain at the pump will only get worse.
Congress’ Quick Fix For Astronomical Gas Prices Is Anything But
The national average for gas prices has surpassed $4.50 per gallon, up roughly 45% from a year ago. If Congress passes a bill that allows for year-round higher ethanol content in gasoline (“E15”) without protecting small refineries, Americans’ pain at the pump will only get worse. The proposal moving through Congress would permanently allow E15 to be sold year-round. The issue is not the use of ethanol, or even higher blends, for that matter.
A New Regulatory Paradigm for Advanced Nuclear Energy
A New Regulatory Paradigm for Advanced Nuclear Energy The NRC’s emerging rule changes could significantly reshape the cost, speed, and competitiveness of advanced nuclear deployment in the United States. In the coming months, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will finalize a slate of rulemakings that, taken together, represent the most consequential overhaul of America’s nuclear regulatory framework in nearly 70 years.
America’s Permitting System Is Broken. Here’s How to Fix It
America needs faster, smarter permitting reform to build the energy infrastructure required for growth, reliability, and national security. The United States is the most energy-rich nation on earth. We have motivated capital, human ingenuity, a wide range of resources, and innovative technologies. With unprecedented energy demand needed in the next few years, the United States needs more power generation, more pipelines, and transmission lines.
Small Refinery Exemptions Can Lower Gas Prices
Small Refinery Exemptions Will Help Drivers at the Pump Granting small refinery exemptions would ease fuel costs and protect US refining capacity, preventing further price increases during the Iran War. The unprecedented supply disruption tied to the Strait of Hormuz has delivered the most severe energy shock in decades. The national average for a gallon of gas has surpassed $4 per gallon, the first time that’s happened in over four years.
Can Florida Revolutionize the Nuclear Energy Sector?
Can Florida Revolutionize the Nuclear Energy Sector? Photograph by D Ramey Logan, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons Advanced nuclear reactors are among the most promising technologies for providing large amounts of reliable electricity. Many designs are smaller, modular, and more flexible than traditional nuclear plants, making them easier to deploy across a range of applications.
Time to Waive the Jones Act Goodbye Forever
Time to Waive the Jones Act Goodbye Forever President Trump has suspended the Jones Act for 60 days to help lower gas prices. This raises the question: if the Jones Act is pushing up prices at the pump, why do we still have it? The simple, direct answer is that there are no valid reasons to keep it, and Congress should repeal it.
Trump Already Won Gold Stopping Offshore Wind
Trump Already Won Gold Stopping Offshore Wind President Donald Trump is no fan of offshore wind. His administration has impeded its development since he began his second term. Projects have been suspended, new leases frozen and permits slowed or stopped altogether. Yet the biggest casualty of this largely successful harassment campaign could be realizing American energy dominance.
Trump already won gold for stopping offshore wind
President Donald Trump is no fan of offshore wind. His administration has impeded its development since he began his second term. Projects have been suspended, new leases frozen, permits slowed or stopped altogether. Yet the biggest casualty of this largely successful harassment campaign could be realizing American energy dominance.
NICK LORIS: Trump Already Won Gold Stopping Offshore Wind
President Donald Trump is no fan of offshore wind. His administration has impeded its development since he began his second term. Projects have been suspended, new leases frozen, permits slowed or stopped altogether. Yet the biggest casualty of this largely successful harassment campaign could be realizing American energy dominance.
Trump already won gold for stopping offshore wind
President Donald Trump is no fan of offshore wind. His administration has impeded its development since he began his second term. Projects have been suspended, new leases frozen, permits slowed or stopped altogether. Yet the biggest casualty of this largely successful harassment campaign could be realizing American energy dominance.
NRC Finishes TerraPower’s Construction Permit Ahead of Schedule
NRC Finishes TerraPower’s Construction Permit Ahead of Schedule Department of Energy, Rendering of TerraPower’s Natrium power plant. In a welcoming milestone, TerraPower received approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a construction permit for its advanced nuclear power plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming.
DOE Takes Important Step to Modernize Nuclear Permitting
DOE Takes Important Step to Modernize Nuclear Permitting 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.
The Department of Energy Takes on ALARA
The Department of Energy Takes on ALARA Idaho National Lab, Rendering of the Molten Chloride fast-reactor prototype. Last fall, Energy Secretary Chris Wright told the audience at Senator John Curtis’ conservative climate summit that “nuclear is going to become sexy again.” For policy wonks and proponents of modernizing outdated nuclear regulation, there may be nothing sexier than reforming ALARA.
Harnessing Rail for Resilient Supply Chains
Harnessing Rail for Resilient Supply Chains Freightliner From global pandemics to port congestion, extreme weather and rising transportation costs—our nation’s supply chains have been put to a severe test. New analysis from the Association of American Railroads (AAR) shows that some freight networks are inherently more stable during these disruptions.
Can Expanding Transmission Reduce Electricity Costs?
Can Expanding Transmission Reduce Electricity Costs? Advocates of large-scale transmission expansion have recited a simple slogan for years: There is no transition without transmission. By this, they mean that the shift to renewable energy will require vast new power lines. Whatever one thinks of climate policy, that argument no longer carries much weight. The relevant question now is whether building more transmission will make electricity more affordable.
Can Expanding Transmission Reduce Electricity Costs?
Advocates of large-scale transmission expansion have recited a simple slogan for years: There is no transition without transmission. By this, they mean that the shift to renewable energy will require vast new power lines. Whatever one thinks of climate policy, that argument no longer carries much weight. The relevant question now is whether building more transmission will make electricity more affordable.
Can Expanding Transmission Reduce Electricity Costs?
By Travis Fisher and Nick Loris Advocates of large-scale transmission expansion have recited a simple slogan for years: There is no transition without transmission. By this, they mean that the shift to renewable energy will require vast new power lines. Whatever one thinks of climate policy, that argument no longer carries much weight. The relevant question now is whether building more transmission will make electricity more affordable.
The Clean Air Act Needs a Regulatory Face-Lift
The Clean Air Act Needs a Regulatory Face-Lift Mike Geissinger, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Clean_Air_Act_Signing_edited_cropped.jpg The Clean Air Act (CAA) is now 55 years old—and shows its age. That’s not a critique of its legacy. The law, in conjunction with innovation and private investment in environmental improvement, has contributed to significant improvements in air quality, public health, and environmental protection.
Don’t Get Complacent on Forest Management
Don’t Get Complacent on Forest Management In a bit of good fortune, the wildfires in the Western U.S. have been relatively subdued compared to previous years. That’s something to be grateful for, but it’s not something to get comfortable with. Even in a quieter season, Colorado residents suffered through one of the largest wildfires in the state’s history. Nevertheless, a mild season doesn’t mean our forests are healthy or that the risk has disappeared. It simply means we were lucky.
The PERMIT Act Will Help Meet America’s Growing Energy Needs
The PERMIT Act Will Help Meet America’s Growing Energy Needs Source & license: Wikimedia Commons, Adrian Pingstone, Public Domain.https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AAust_pylon_of_the_Severn_power_line_crossing%2C_England_arp.jpg When it comes to meeting America’s growing energy needs, the biggest obstacle is not the availability of fuels or the technology but the permitting bottleneck.
Nobel Prize Winners Show Why Innovation is Essential for People and the Planet
Nobel Prize Winners Show Why Innovation is Essential for People and the Planet The Nobel Foundation, Sturegatan 14, Stockholm Nobel Prize Outreach. Photo: Clément Morin. Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics for their work on innovation-driven economic growth. Innovation spurs technological advancements that improve human flourishing and quality of life. It is also essential for a cleaner environment.
The Left’s Energy Amnesia
The Left’s Energy Amnesia Energy price politics is not a new game in Washington. Typically, politicians blame the opposing side for higher gas prices. These days, higher prices are at the meter as electricity rates have more than doubled the inflation rate over the past year. Democrats have seized on President Donald Trump‘s promise to halve electricity prices, blaming him for rolling back green subsidies and layering bureaucracy on renewable energy projects.
The Left’s energy amnesia
Energy price politics is not a new game in Washington. Typically, politicians blame the opposing side for higher gas prices. These days, higher prices are at the meter as electricity rates have more than doubled the inflation rate over the past year. Democrats have seized on President Donald Trump‘s promise to halve electricity prices, blaming him for rolling back green subsidies and layering bureaucracy on renewable energy projects. However, a little self-reflection is necessary.
Reforming Radiation Standards to Unlock Nuclear Energy’s Full Potential
Reforming Radiation Standards to Unlock Nuclear Energy’s Full Potential Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright recently emphasized that America will be proactive in developing and deploying next-generation nuclear reactors. President Trump’s four executive orders (EOs) outline key policy reforms to improve licensing, permitting, and collaboration with national laboratories, as well as to modernize costly and outdated regulations.
Reforming Radiation Standards to Unlock Nuclear Energy’s Full Potential
This article was initially published in The National Interest. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright recently emphasized that America will be proactive in developing and deploying next-generation nuclear reactors. President Trump’s four executive orders (EOs) outline key policy reforms to improve licensing, permitting, and collaboration with national laboratories, as well as to modernize costly and outdated regulations.
How the SPEED Act Seizes the Moment on Permitting Reform
The Purple Line is a 16-mile light rail line that will connect Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties in Maryland. Hailed as a new, environmentally responsible option for commuters, the line is also one of the poster children for why our country is in desperate need of permitting reform. Delays and Legal Challenges Initial surveys for the project have begun, and the light rail line is expected to be operational by 2027.
How the SPEED Act Seizes the Moment on Permitting Reform
This article was initially published in The National Interest. The Purple Line is a 16-mile light rail line that will connect Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties in Maryland. Hailed as a new, environmentally responsible option for commuters, the line is also one of the poster children for why our country is in desperate need of permitting reform. Subscribe for ideas that support the environment and the people.
The Need for SPEED: Why Permitting Reform is Essential to Our Economic Progress and Environmental Ambitions
The Need for SPEED: Why Permitting Reform is Essential to Our Economic Progress and Environmental Ambitions Earlier this week, I had the privilege of testifying before the Natural Resources Committee on permitting reform. One of the bills up for discussion was the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act (H.R. 4776).
The Need for SPEED: Why Permitting Reform is Essential to Our Economic Progress and Environmental Ambitions
Earlier this week, I had the privilege of testifying before the Natural Resources Committee on permitting reform. One of the bills up for discussion was the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act (H.R. 4776). The legislation would implement critical reforms to the permitting process by narrowing the scope of environmental reviews and reining in the delays imposed by protracted litigation.
Federal Climate Regulations Have Been a Bad Deal for Society
This piece was initially published in The National Interest. Last month, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a proposed rule to overturn the 2009 endangerment finding. The finding, which declared greenhouse gases a threat to public health and welfare, provided the legal backbone for the federal government to regulate carbon dioxide from cars, trucks, power plants, manufacturing facilities, and more. Subscribe for ideas that support the environment and the people.
Energy Policy | Favoritism | Trump
It’s Time to End Energy Favoritism Energy policy in the United States feels a bit like the song from the musical Annie Get Your Gun: Anything you can do, I can do better. Except in this instance, “better” means unnecessarily targeting specific energy sectors rather than letting them compete on their economic merits. The tit-for-tat escalation of anti-energy policies and regulations is harmful to energy consumers, energy abundance, and investment certainty for new energy supplies.
Energy Policy | Favoritism | Trump
Energy policy in the United States feels a bit like the song from the musical Annie Get Your Gun: Anything you can do, I can do better. Except in this instance, “better” means unnecessarily targeting specific energy sectors rather than letting them compete on their economic merits. The tit-for-tat escalation of anti-energy policies and regulations is harmful to energy consumers, energy abundance, and investment certainty for new energy supplies.
How The SPEED Act Charts a Path Forward for Permitting
This piece was initially published in The National Interest. Rising electricity prices are a top concern for American families, and with demand set to surge, we desperately need more supply. Yet bureaucratic inertia in America’s permitting process has deterred investment and slowed the development of all forms of energy. House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) is working to fix that. Rep. Westerman and Rep.
Speed to Power: How Electricity Ratepayers Can Win the AI Race
View PDF Nick Loris, Senior Policy Fellow, National Taxpayers Union With Contributions from: Travis Fisher, Director of Energy and Environmental Policy Studies, Cato Institute Josh Smith, Senior Fellow, Pacific Legal Foundation Dr. Katherine Wright, Hillsdale College and Pete Sepp, President, National Taxpayers Union I. Why Are Electricity Prices Going Up?
Clean Energy’s Future Remains Bright Even Without Energy Subsidies
This piece was initially published here in The National Interest. With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) and President Trump’s Executive Order restricting the use of renewable tax credits, most reports and commentary have postulated that recent actions have cast a dark cloud over the future of clean energy in America. But the future of economically viable clean energy remains bright.
What is Energy Dominance and How Do We Get More of It?
This piece was initially published in the National Interest. When we think of dominance in sports, we think of impressive, sustained excellence that overwhelms competitors: Michael Jordan’s Bulls, Tom Brady’s Patriots, and Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs. What about energy dominance? Subscribe for ideas that support the environment and the people.
Prevent Wildfires | Wildfire Cost | Wildfire Risk
Taking Action to Reduce Wildfire Risk The following is an adaptation of a keynote address at a conference on addressing wildfires co-hosted by the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the World Bank on June 16, 2025. As wildfires burn in the Western United States, Canada, and the Greek Isles, it is crucial to remember two key points. First, whatever you think the costs of wildfires are – to your community, your country, or the planet- it is very likely an underestimate.
Prevent Wildfires | Wildfire Cost | Wildfire Risk
The following is an adaptation of a keynote address at a conference on addressing wildfires co-hosted by the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the World Bank on June 16, 2025. As wildfires burn in the Western United States, Canada, and the Greek Isles, it is crucial to remember two key points. First, whatever you think the costs of wildfires are – to your community, your country, or the planet- it is very likely an underestimate.
Why Extending Donald Trump’s Tax Cuts Is a Win for the Economy and the Environment
Why Extending Donald Trump’s Tax Cuts Is a Win for the Economy and the Environment Trump-era tax cuts and full expensing offer a pro-growth alternative to IRA subsidies, boosting innovation, ensuring business certainty, and advancing clean energy. In the current discussions of The One Big Beautiful Bill, the future of the energy tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) hangs in the balance.
Why Extending Donald Trump’s Tax Cuts Is a Win for the Economy and the Environment
This piece was initially published in The National Interest Trump-era tax cuts and full expensing offer a pro-growth alternative to IRA subsidies, boosting innovation, ensuring business certainty, and advancing clean energy. In the current discussions of The One Big Beautiful Bill, the future of the energy tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) hangs in the balance.
China’s Overfishing Problem is Everyone’s Problem
This piece was initially published in The National Interest. Whether oil or critical minerals, policymakers have long understood the economic, environmental, and geopolitical value of reducing reliance on foreign adversaries for natural resources. This policy principle holds true not just on land but also at sea. America and the rest of the world need a comprehensive response to China’s overfishing and aggressive fishing tactics, which overwhelm competitors and threaten biodiversity.
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