To Compete in Energy, Technology, U.S. Needs Regulatory Reform
A successful American company with a strong presence in West Virginia is making its thoughts known about the development of the nation’s energy infrastructure and its connection to the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI). The Williams Companies (WMB) has more than a century of experience in the energy sector and is committed to building and operating facilities that safely move affordable and reliable energy in the U.S.
With interest accelerating in energy security and AI, America’s marketplace is poised to respond. Government regulators, however, appear to be stuck in second gear while developers, such as Williams, explain the critical connection between access to energy and the AI explosion.
U.S. companies see slow-motion government regulation threatening the nation’s ability to compete in a fast-changing marketplace that demands more and more reliable energy. U.S. businesses recognize that increasing project costsand delays will affect businesses and citizens alike. While regulations slow growth, U.S. consumer costs can soar. Meanwhile, competing nations develop businesses without excessive regulations and realize advantages over U.S. companies bound in government red tape.
Some American businesses are sounding the alarm while AI data-center developers eagerly seek property and access to energy that will power the nation’s emerging technology infrastructure. The Williams Companies offers the following observations and suggestions:
Observations:
- America’s energy demand is surging, but outdated permitting processes are slowing progress.
- Lower energy costs promote economic growth.
- Energy-related projects require four to six years of permitting time, allowing other countries to catch up and surpass us in innovation, technology, and growth.
- Permitting can have a profound effect on the U.S. infrastructure and the broader economy while it maintains the protections that permitting laws have afforded Americans to date.
Suggestions:
- Congress must act now to ensure the nation’s continued energy dominance.
- Raise the bar for activist lawsuits that delay projects.
- Cut the red tape for companies in energy construction and investment.
- Unlock $1.5 trillion in potential investment held back by permitting delays.
The Williams Companies tells the story.
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