David Holt, President of the Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the need for affordable and reliable energy solutions, the impact of recent policy changes on energy prices and challenges posed by increasing demand from artificial intelligence and data centers.
Holt began by discussing balancing environmental concerns with energy affordability and reliability. He pointed out that recent regulatory changes have led to higher energy prices, contributing to inflation and economic challenges. While clean energy is crucial, Holt said policies that prioritize renewables at the expense of baseload power sources like natural gas can lead to grid instability and higher costs for consumers, particularly impacting low-income households and fixed-income individuals.
The conversation turned to the growing energy demands of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and data centers. Holt stressed the need for a diverse energy mix, including renewables, natural gas and nuclear power, to meet these increasing demands and also maintain grid stability. He discussed the importance of infrastructure development, including pipeline and transmission line construction, to ensure energy security and economic competitiveness in the face of global challenges, particularly from China in the AI sector.
Finally, Holt discussed the recent energy emergency declaration by President Trump, explaining how it aims to streamline regulations and reduce energy costs. He argued that while environmental protections are necessary, excessive regulations can hinder energy production and distribution, ultimately harming consumers and the economy. Holt called for a more balanced approach to energy policy that considers both environmental goals and economic realities.
Listen to the full episode to hear more from Holt on the future of U.S. energy policy and its impact on workers and consumers.