More energy for a stronger, cleaner economy

Energy is the lifeblood of a thriving economy, and American industry needs more of it. At the same time, American families want clean air, clean water and lower monthly energy costs. EDF believes we can find ways to deliver both — embracing efficiency, innovation and a wide range of energy sources.

About EDF

We pioneered working with industry to reduce pollution. In addition to developing smart and efficient public policy, we have partnered with leading companies to achieve their environmental goals.

We helped create a coalition of 50 of the largest oil and gas companies in the world to reduce the waste of natural gas, brought together some of the biggest dairy companies to reduce methane emissions, and partnered with Walmart to cut a billion tons of emissions from their operations annually.

Natural gas

Natural gas is an important energy resource and likely to remain so in the United States for decades to come. EDF’s approach is practical: cutting methane waste from oil and gas operations. Methane is the primary component of natural gas, so leaks, venting and routine flaring wastes product, reduces supply and increases pollution. EDF supports capturing wasted methane and practical standards that reward responsible operators.

Nuclear

Nuclear power is a legitimate zero-carbon option, producing relatively large quantities of electricity with very few lifecycle carbon emissions. Investment decisions should be based on rigorous attention to benefits and costs relative to all other low-carbon alternatives. 

EDF will consider supporting new and existing nuclear power stations based on their ability to provide safe, secure and clean energy generation. Projects should be part of a comprehensive package of clean energy, storage technologies and energy efficiency measures.

We support public funding for research and development of nuclear technologies, including new reactor designs, as part of a broader portfolio of zero-carbon energy solutions. A central goal should be the development of safer, more secure and more affordable nuclear energy technology. In all projects, safety, security, nonproliferation and protections to health and the environment must be assured. 

Permitting reform

EDF believes a more effective permitting process is necessary, particularly to accelerate and streamline the siting and permitting of transmission and clean energy and storage projects. We need a modernized approval system that removes red tape while protecting communities and the environment.

Data centers

AI has the potential to spark innovation that makes our economy cleaner, more efficient and more competitive. Data centers have quickly become one of the most powerful forces shaping how we build for the future. It’s also clear that as demand accelerates, these industries are driving rapid growth in electricity and water use and causing impacts in local communities.

Meeting data center demand should be a catalyst for long-needed structural reforms in how we plan, build and operate energy infrastructure. Policymakers should expand and accelerate clean energy development, modernize the grid, improve efficiency, create competitive energy markets, and encourage development of key technologies, such as long duration battery storage and advanced geothermal.  

Companies must be responsible for the full costs of the energy infrastructure their data center projects require, meaningfully engage with affected communities, and minimize their projects’ environmental and community impacts.

Grid modernization

America needs a reliable electric grid to feed power to our homes, schools and businesses — but our systems are aging, antiquated and fragmented. The adoption of modern planning and operating practices and new technologies has been slow. Making more efficient use of the infrastructure we already have while building a strong backbone of new regional and interregional transmission lines will get needed new power generation resources online quicker. 

Harnessing AI to operate grids more efficiently and effectively is critical. This includes greater use of “distributed” resources like solar panels and battery storage that can help reduce overall cost while increasing reliability and resilience to extreme weather.

Pipelines

As important as clean, abundant electricity is to our nation’s economic future, it is also true that moving some measure of natural gas, hydrogen or carbon dioxide where it needs to go will play an important role in our economy for decades to come. EDF supports the development and deployment of pipeline infrastructure that is safe, necessary to reduce emissions, and has a demonstrated need now and into the future. Each project should be judged on facts, both economic and environmental, not ideology.