Ohio Congressman Proposes Legislation to Secure Affordable Energy

Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH) has introduced the Affordable, Reliable, Clean Energy Security Act, a thoughtful effort to preserve the foundation of American energy independence. The bill formalizes key principles from former President Donald Trump’s energy agenda—principles rooted in practicality, national self-sufficiency, and long-term stability. By defining “affordable,” “reliable,” and “clean” energy in federal law, the legislation ensures that essential energy sources like natural gas and nuclear power remain part of the national energy mix.

This approach reflects a deeper commitment to responsible stewardship. It acknowledges that energy is not merely a commodity but a vital component of national security, economic health, and everyday life. Families depend on stable electricity and fuel prices. Businesses rely on consistent power supplies. Communities need dependable infrastructure. These are not abstract concerns—they are real needs that shape daily life across the country.

The bill requires regular reports from major federal agencies, including the Department of Energy, the Department of the Interior, and the Environmental Protection Agency. These reports will document how current energy policies align with the nation’s long-term interests. Transparency is not just a procedural formality; it is a safeguard against policy shifts that prioritize ideology over practical outcomes. When decisions are made in the open, they are more likely to reflect the true needs of the people.

In recent years, energy policy has often been driven by political ambition rather than sound planning. The Biden administration’s focus on taxpayer-funded green projects, while well-intentioned by some, has led to higher energy costs, project delays, and increased reliance on foreign sources for critical materials. These outcomes undermine the very goals they claim to support. By contrast, the legislation championed by Rep. Balderson emphasizes domestic production, technological innovation, and a balanced energy portfolio.

The push to cancel federal funding for offshore wind projects, for instance, was not an attack on environmentalism but a recognition of ecological and economic realities. Protecting marine ecosystems, ensuring job stability in coastal communities, and avoiding overreach in federal planning are all part of responsible governance. The same principle applies to energy: we must protect both people and the planet, not by abandoning proven energy sources, but by using them wisely and sustainably.

This bill also serves as a bulwark against future policy reversals. Without legislative codification, energy policy can shift dramatically with each administration, leaving industries and consumers in uncertainty. By anchoring core principles in law, the act ensures that future leaders cannot dismantle decades of progress simply through executive action.

It is worth noting that energy security is not just about supply—it is about responsibility. The United States has long led in energy innovation, from the development of shale gas to advancements in nuclear safety. These achievements were built on American ingenuity, hard work, and a commitment to both progress and prudence.

Supporting this legislation is not about rejecting change. It is about ensuring that change is measured, accountable, and in service of the people. It is about maintaining a system where energy remains affordable for middle-class families, where businesses can plan with confidence, and where our nation remains free from dependence on unstable foreign sources.

The path forward must be one of balance. We can pursue cleaner technologies while continuing to use existing energy sources responsibly. We can innovate without discarding what works. We can care for the environment without sacrificing economic stability.

Rep. Balderson’s bill offers a practical framework for that balance. It is not a radical departure, but a return to common sense. It honors the legacy of American energy leadership and prepares the nation for the challenges ahead. By strengthening energy security through clear policy, transparency, and long-term planning, this legislation serves the best interests of all Americans—now and for generations to come.

Published: 10/27/2025