Central ND News

During a recent hearing of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak emphasized the importance of accelerating regulatory approvals for brownfield redevelopment and energy project interconnections to meet rising electricity demands in the United States. The congresswoman also underscored the necessity of expediting new baseload electric generation approvals and employing advanced technology to address increasing energy needs, particularly those driven by artificial intelligence (AI).

Fedorchak's inquiries come after issuing a Request for Information (RFI) aimed at industry stakeholders through the AI and Energy Working Group she leads. This group seeks to identify policy changes necessary to support AI's future energy requirements.

James Connaughton, CEO of JLC Strategies, LLC, suggested several permitting reforms during his testimony. He proposed using third parties to pre-approve brownfield sites according to federal and state standards as a means to accelerate new projects. Connaughton aims to connect energy projects to the power grid within six months by utilizing AI and advanced technologies for data processing, arguing that without these tools, the U.S. lags about ten years behind where it should be.

In response to questions about maintaining competitiveness with China in emerging industries' energy needs, Connaughton recommended focusing on communities eager to develop energy infrastructure while encouraging competition for progress. Duane Miller, Executive Director of LENOWISCO Planning District Commission, added that rural areas such as southwest Virginia and North Dakota should be prioritized for AI-related projects.

The hearing featured several witnesses including James L. Connaughton from JLC Strategies, J. Christian Bollwage, Mayor of Elizabeth, New Jersey; Duane Miller from LENOWISCO Planning District Commission; and Christa D. Stoneham from Houston Land Bank.