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12. Department Of Energy And Related Commissions (Summary)
Author: Bernard L. McNamee
Summary
- American Energy Dominance:
- Emphasis on ensuring access to abundant, reliable, and affordable energy.
- Opposition to ideologically driven “green” policies that have led to energy scarcity, increased prices, and reliance on adversaries like China.
- Advocates for an “all of the above” energy policy, supporting the use of all energy resources.
- Promotion of American energy resources for national security and economic stability.
- American Science Dominance:
- U.S. scientific leadership is critical for national security and technological advancement.
- Concerns over external threats, such as Chinese espionage in U.S. research projects.
- Advocacy for refocusing National Laboratories on advanced science and technology relevant to national security.
- Mission Statement for a Reformed Department of Energy:
- Proposal to rename the Department of Energy (DOE) to the Department of Energy Security and Advanced Science (DESAS).
- DESAS should focus on energy security, advanced science, and promoting U.S. energy interests internationally.
- Removal of government interference in energy markets, ending subsidies for favored interests, and eliminating politicized social programs within DOE.
- National Energy Security:
- Protecting energy infrastructure from cyber and physical threats is vital.
- DESAS should focus on energy security through advanced science, collaboration with the private sector, and eliminating special-interest funding programs.
- Reform of FERC and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to ensure reliable energy access and support for nuclear energy innovation.
- New Policies on International Energy Security:
- Promotion of U.S. energy dominance as a key component of foreign policy.
- Consolidation of international energy activities under DESAS for better coordination with foreign policy and national security.
- Advanced Science and National Labs:
- Refocusing National Labs on fundamental research and reducing mission creep.
- Conducting a government-wide assessment of federal science agencies to streamline and prioritize scientific efforts relevant to national security.
- Remediation of Nuclear Waste:
- Commitment to accelerating the cleanup of radioactive waste from past nuclear programs.
- Involvement of the private sector in nuclear waste disposal and reevaluation of current regulatory frameworks.
- National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA):
- Prioritization of modernizing the U.S. nuclear arsenal and ensuring a robust nuclear deterrent.
- Continued development of new nuclear warheads and reactors for the U.S. Navy.
- Rejection of international treaties that limit U.S. nuclear testing and readiness.
Analysis
- Energy Security:
- Implementation could lead to increased domestic energy production, potentially reducing energy prices and reliance on foreign sources.
- Potential rollback of environmental regulations might result in conflicts with environmental and climate change advocates.
- Strengthening energy infrastructure could enhance national security but may require significant investment and policy shifts.
- Science and Technology Leadership:
- Refocusing on advanced science could bolster U.S. technological leadership and national security.
- Streamlining federal science agencies might increase efficiency but could also face opposition from existing bureaucracies.
- Privatization and reduction of government interference in energy markets might stimulate innovation but could also risk market stability.
- Nuclear Security:
- Modernization of the U.S. nuclear arsenal could enhance deterrence but may escalate tensions with nuclear adversaries.
- Expansion of nuclear energy and security measures might support energy independence but could also raise concerns about nuclear proliferation.
Tags
- Energy Security
- National Laboratories
- Nuclear Deterrence
- American Science Leadership
- DOE Reforms
Read the original chapter text here: https://static.project2025.org/2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL.pdf#page=396