Fedorchak highlights need for regulatory reform to power future of AI at E&C hearing

March 12, 2025 Press Release Washington D.C. — During yesterday’s Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment hearing , Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) focused on the need for faster regulatory approvals for brownfield redevelopment and energy project interconnections in order to meet the sharp increase in electricity demand in the US. She also highlighted the urgent need to streamline new baseload electric generation approvals and use advanced technology to meet growing energy demands, especially from artificial intelligence (AI). Her questioning follows the issuing of a Request for Information (RFI) to industry stakeholders for the AI and Energy Working Group she’s leading to identify policy changes needed to power the future of AI. Image Rep. Fedorchak focused on regulatory reform. James Connaughton, CEO, JLC Strategies, LLC , offered several suggestions for permitting reform including using third parties to pre-approve brownfield sites based on federal and state standards to speed up new brownfield projects. Watch: Image Rep. Fedorchak followed up with Connaughton about his proposal to speed up energy project approvals, specifically his goal of getting projects connected to the power grid within six months. He suggested using AI and advanced technology to process the massive amount of data required for approvals. By not using these tools, the U.S. is about a decade behind where it should be, he said. Watch : Image Rep. Fedorchak also asked the witnesses what else the U.S. should be doing to stay ahead of China, especially when it comes to meeting the energy needs of emerging industries. Connaughton said leaders should focus on communities that are eager to build energy infrastructure and foster competition to drive progress. Duane Miller, Executive Director, LENOWISCO Planning District Commission , said rural areas, including places like southwest Virginia and North Dakota, should be a priority for projects like AI. Watch : Image The hearing witnesses were: Hon. James L. Connaughton , Chief Executive Officer, JLC Strategies, LLC Biography Witness Testimony J. Christian Bollwage , Mayor of Elizabeth, New Jersey, Chair, U.S. Conference of Mayors Brownfields Task Force Biography Witness Testimony Duane Miller , Executive Director, LENOWISCO Planning District Commission Biography Witness Testimony Christa D. Stoneham , Chief Executive Officer & President, Houston Land Bank Biography Witness Testimony ### Issues : Congress Energy and Environment