Michelle HowardPaul Siegel
Allowing reforms has quickly become a top priority in Washington, becoming an urgent national security priority. The United States is grappling with the twin challenges of rising energy demand and increasing global competition, especially from China. Despite the critical role our nation's energy infrastructure plays, the United States is trapped in permitting processes that can extend important projects by years or even decades. The State Administration of Foreign Exchange's Grid Security Center emphasized that overhauling the approval and construction procedures for energy infrastructure is not only a matter of efficiency, but also an urgent issue for the country in the face of escalating global power competition.
Most Department of Defense (DoD) installations rely on the civilian power grid, but growing stress on our power systems is increasingly impacting installations and critical military operations, exacerbating the impact on our national defense. Military installations rely on a grid of command centers, communications networks, and intelligence collection to maintain operational readiness. The Senate is currently considering the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 (EPRA), which would significantly accelerate critical upgrades to ultimately ensure installations can handle potential disruptions.
The transition to a Republican-controlled Congress in January may pose a challenge to the passage of EPRA, as the Republicans may well decide to wait, leaving a void in the new Congress. However, given the urgency of the situation, policymakers should act now to begin the important work of building the networks our military and economy deserve. As SAFE CEO Robbie Diamond elaborated: “As the incoming administration accelerates our reindustrialization, the United States must prepare for a surge in electricity demand. Delaying these necessary reforms, even by a few months, will hinder our – Let’s lay the foundations for growth now through EPRA and implement further reforms as needed. This pragmatic strategy balances the urgency of reform with a phased approach to ensure progress while laying the foundation for wider change. .
Vulnerabilities within the grid extend beyond national security and have significant implications for economic competitiveness. High-tech and defense-critical industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor manufacturing rely on abundant and affordable energy provided by a secure and resilient grid. Without reforms, these important industries risk losing to competitors with more reliable infrastructure. EPRA is designed to streamline the authorization process for programs to enhance grid resiliency, position the United States as a leader in technological advancement, and promote localization of critical defense supply chains.
Additionally, the current system creates hidden costs for the Department of Defense, which is forced to allocate resources to backup power solutions, such as diesel generators or microgrids, in the event of grid failure—resources that could otherwise be used for frontline defense Work. Although microgrids have the potential to provide cost savings to the Department of Defense compared to continued use of diesel generators, they still impose a cost burden on the defense budget.
Severe weather events further highlight the inherent vulnerability of the power grid. Prolonged power outages can disrupt mission-critical operations at military installations and adversely impact the economy, resulting in billions of dollars in lost productivity. The National Guard has become increasingly involved in resolving these grid-related emergencies, draining its resources and hindering its focus on critical missions such as disaster response and homeland defense. EPRA will prioritize projects aimed at creating a more resilient and interconnected grid that reduces risk and enhances the security of military and civilian infrastructure.
Compared with similar competitors, China's energy policy is characterized by attaching great importance to national interests and acting quickly. China believes that strong energy infrastructure is critical and requires immediate attention and implementation. So should we!
For the incoming administration, permitting reforms that prioritize transmission and domestic critical mineral development are critical to securing America’s future. Energy infrastructure reform is about more than reducing bureaucratic delays; it is an essential component of strengthening national security, increasing economic resiliency, and maintaining global leadership. In an era of great power competition, ensuring a secure and resilient electric grid is critical to maintaining the United States’ position as a global leader.
Admiral Michelle Howard, the 38th Deputy Chief of Naval Operations; Commander (retired), U.S. Naval Forces Europe, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, and Allied Forces Naples, and Paul Segal, CEO of LS Power, serve as co-chairs of the SAFE Grid Security Center
This article was originally published by RealClearEnergy and provided via RealClearWire.
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