The U.S. energy sector holds a reigning seat in global markets. But maximizing U.S. energy dominance is critical to remaining on top.

With a new administration and Congress set to assume power in 2025 and implement an “energy dominance” agenda, the U.S. is on the cusp of a critical opportunity to cement long-term economic and societal achievements by maximizing reliable and sustainable U.S.-produced energy.

By prioritizing a diverse portfolio of energy sources of all kinds, the U.S. can solidify its leadership in global energy markets while fostering job creation, national security and international trade while enhancing the quality of life.

The opportunity

The U.S. energy sector is among the leaders in global energy markets in production of crude oil, natural gas, LNG production and exports, as well as petrochemicals and NGL.

There is, however, room for significant improvement by addressing regulatory barriers and fostering innovation. Key strategies include:

  • Regulatory reform: Streamline permitting processes to reduce delays and risks, enabling faster development of critical energy projects.
  • Financial incentives: Enhance tax incentives and fiscal policies to attract long-term investments in energy infrastructure. Maintain tax credits and infrastructure support for advanced technology investments, and carbon capture for hydrocarbons and bio-energy.
  • Energy security: Achieve energy production sufficient to maintain economic growth by ensuring affordable domestic oil, natural gas and electricity supplies to meet civilian and military needs.
  • Biofuels: Support bio-based fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, which are critical for rural economies and the agriculture sector.

These measures will not only strengthen the domestic energy sector, but also enhance the U.S.’ ability to export energy and industrial products, thereby reducing global reliance on adversarial nations like Russia and Iran.

Managing growth in demand

Rising electricity demand—driven by AI data centers and the onshoring of manufacturing—presents both challenges and opportunities. Addressing these requires:

  • Energy storage and grid upgrades: Investing in advanced battery technologies, improving grid infrastructure and addressing transmission bottlenecks.
  • Critical minerals development: Expanding domestic mining and processing of lithium and other key minerals to reduce reliance on China. The Smackover Formation in Arkansas, for instance, contains vast lithium reserves that could boost U.S. energy storage capabilities.
  • Permitting reform: Streamlining federal processes under NEPA and ESA to enable faster development of energy and manufacturing projects, including grid modernization and renewable energy facilities.

By focusing on these priorities, the U.S. can ensure reliable and sustainable energy generation to meet growing demand while maintaining a resilient grid capable of withstanding cyberattacks, extreme weather and other challenges.

Global leadership: Strengthening the U.S. energy brand

The U.S. has an opportunity to strengthen the nation’s energy brand and exert global leadership by promoting its performance and advances in sustainability and innovation. Key initiatives should include:

  • Highlighting sustainability performance: Demonstrating further progress and measurable results in emissions reductions, flaring reductions and water management improvements in shale production as well as promoting the industry’s continued innovation, best practices and use of state-of-the-art technologies.
  • Investing in small modular reactors (SMRs): Accelerating nuclear permitting to expand SMR adoption, which offers reliable, low-carbon energy solutions.
  • Promoting renewable growth: Supporting advanced energy storage technologies as well as dependable and flexible baseload power to address the intermittency of solar and wind power while maintaining affordability and reliability.

In addition, the U.S. must attract and train a new generation of talent in STEM and technical fields to support existing energy systems and emerging technologies. Public education initiatives can address misconceptions about energy and highlight opportunities for meaningful workforce participation in the broader energy sector.

The U.S. is uniquely positioned to lead the world in energy production and innovation, while ensuring economic growth, energy security, and environmental sustainability. By pursuing a balanced approach that prioritizes regulatory reform, technological advancement and strategic investments, the U.S. can maximize its energy dominance and grow its energy brand. The opportunities ahead are immense, and with focused leadership, the U.S. can solidify its role as the world’s energy leader, driving progress for itself and the global community.

Sustainability and Energy Value Advisors (SEVA) is a legitimizing organization focused on establishing, verifyin, and certifying sustainability related processes, standards and best practices. We offer our clients objectivity and independence while simultaneously bringing industry, academic, and government and regulatory experience, knowledge and perspectives to our work, following a corporate business model. We work to solve the most pressing issues and seek answers to the toughest questions regarding energy security and sustainability.

Jim Duncan, SEVA president, advisor, International Research Institute for Climate and Society, Columbia University

Jack Belcher, SEVA vice president, principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs  

Brent Greenfield. SEVA secretary, principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs

Bethany Andell, SEVA advisory board member, president and CEO, Savage Brands

Dr. Jay Golden, SEVA advisory board member, director, Dynamic Sustainability Lab, Syracuse University

Roy Hartstein, SEVA advisory board member, founder and president, Responsible Energy Solutions

Geir Vollsaeter, SEVA Advisory Board Member, Director of Energy and Climate, Pharos Advisors

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