States Can Lead the Way on Energy Affordability: Jonathan Williams on Real Clear Investigations

ALEC President and Chief Economist Jonathan Williams joined Maggie Miller of The Miller Report on Real Clear Investigations to discuss how states can ensure energy affordability and use ALEC’s 2026 Essential Policy Solutions as a guiding framework.

Energy Affordability and American Energy Dominance

The discussion began with a deep dive into ALEC’s 2026 Essential Policy Solutions, with a particular focus on those addressing the cultivation of affordable, reliable, and clean energy to meet the nation’s needs through innovation and competition. Williams emphasized the importance of energy security for citizens, citing the crisis in Europe as a warning.

“One of the most important issues facing America and the world right now is the need for reliable, affordable energy,” he noted. “We’ve seen the crisis in Europe because they were addicted to foreign sources…and then relied on unaffordable or risky sources of energy. I think that needs to be a warning to every country around the world that you need to have reliable, affordable energy.”

State Collaboration and Best Practices

The discussion then focused on the best practices states are taking to meet the energy needs of the general public and address energy affordability. Williams emphasized the need for common-sense, solution-oriented policies to provide affordable energy for citizens and businesses.

“States that are being common sense, solution-oriented, and providing that energy really is a lifeblood for their citizens and businesses,” he said.

There have been mixed results across the country, with states that have not followed common sense seeing high energy bills that place an undue burden on taxpayers’ pocketbooks. Williams highlighted the contrast between the successful energy policies of some states and the unaffordable policies in others.

“It’s really interesting to see a big cadre of conservative states, Wyoming, Idaho, North Dakota, Nebraska, common sense, Midwestern Mountain West states, those are the most affordable states today when it comes to at least electricity prices,” Williams noted.

“On the other side of the spectrum, it won’t surprise any of your viewers to say states like Massachusetts, Connecticut, Hawaii, California are on the opposite side with the most unaffordable electricity prices because of so many of the government regulations and taxes that they put on top of what consumers have to buy.”

Louisiana’s Champion

Miller later brought up the recent actions by Louisiana Rep. Jacob Landry in passing legislation (Louisiana Act 462) and its impact on the state’s energy affordability. Williams praised Landry’s effort, noting that the legislation took inspiration from the ALEC Affordable, Reliable, and Clean Energy Security Act model policy.

“Representative Landry is a hero for Louisiana residents, and I think you’ve already begun to see some new investments in the state of Louisiana since that was passed and signed into law by Governor Landry, who was a big champion of this as well.”

The 2026 Agenda

Williams concluded the conversation with a reminder that affordability will remain a key topic in 2026 and emphasized ALEC’s ongoing role in helping states tackle this pressing issue. “We at ALEC are developing this 2026 affordability agenda as part of our policy priorities for the year,” he said.

He also pointed back to the ALEC Essential Policy Solutions as a starting point for legislators and the public to implement these ideas in their states. “We encourage everyone to check out our essential policy solutions, where it gives you a ton of good ideas, and for your state legislators that you may work with in your state to make your state more prosperous going forward.”