About the Center for Energy and Conservation

IWF’s Center for Energy and Conservation (CEC) is reshaping the conversation about American energy and conservation. The center educates the public about the benefits of modern energy, including thriving economies and healthy communities. The center also level-sets fear-based rhetoric surrounding the climate and cultivates meaningful policies that lead to cleaner air, cleaner water, and a lower-emissions future. Importantly, the center connects the role our modern energy industry has played in successful environmental outcomes and a better, more prosperous way of life.

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Areas of Work

Energy

Covering the extraction, development and use of natural gas, coal, oil, nuclear power, and renewables

Conservation

Covering land, wildlife and environmental protection

ESG

Covering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics

Report:

Energy Abundance

As this report details, pursuing energy abundance in the United States can lead to better environmental outcomes while also contributing to a flourishing economy. Instead of subtracting energy options, energy abundance celebrates the addition of reliable and secure energy sources. An abundance mindset will allow the U.S. to meet our energy needs without sacrificing conservation of the environment.

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Policy Focus

Data Centers and the Environment

The United States is in a race to stay the global artificial intelligence (AI) leader. To do this, we need sufficient energy to power data centers, as well as our growing economy. Some oppose data centers due to concerns about water, land use, and other environmental concerns. However, development can be done sustainably while keeping energy prices low through energy abundance policies.

Myth.

Banning fossil fuels is the best way to protect the environment.

80% of our daily energy needs are met by energy derived from coal, oil and natural gas. While some renewable energy is promising, banning fossil fuels by arbitrary timelines comes with a host of consequences including high costs, a less reliable grid, and pain at the pump. Energy price spikes hit low and fixed income families especially hard, forcing some to forgo food, medical or dental care to try and keep up with utility bills. This year, one in six American families are already behind on energy bills. Further concerning, these economic consequences come with very little benefit to the environment. There is a better way to balance our energy needs alongside the goal of improving and protecting the environment. This can be achieved with pragmatism and a focus on innovation.

Fact.

The United States leads the world in clean air, clean water and emissions reductions.

We’ve made great strides in improving the environment as our economy has continued to grow. Since 1970 the United States has cut air pollution by 78%. We have expanded access to clean drinking water and currently rank number on in the world. We addressed legacy pollution by cleaning up polluted soils all across the country. We also lead the world in curbing greenhouse gas emissions largely due to breakthroughs in hydraulic fracturing. Our advanced energy systems and innovations are why the U.S. will continue to lead the world towards a more prosperous, cleaner future.

Report:

Reclaiming Affordability: Utilities & Energy

Overall, energy inflation under the second Trump administration is falling due to environmental deregulation and energy abundance policies adopted federally. But states—especially those overseen by Democrats—are experiencing higher-than-average electricity prices due to green mandates that require phasing out coal, oil, and natural gas in favor of 100% wind, solar, and batteries.

About the Center for Energy and Conservation

Subscribe to Center for Energy and Conservation Updates

Areas of Work

Report:

Energy Abundance

CEC Policy Experts

Director, Center for Energy and Conservation

Senior Fellow

Visiting Fellow

Visiting Fellow

Visiting Fellow

Policy Focus

Data Centers and the Environment

Myth + Fact

Myth.

Banning fossil fuels is the best way to protect the environment.

Fact.

The United States leads the world in clean air, clean water and emissions reductions.

Report:

Reclaiming Affordability: Utilities & Energy

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