In recent years, especially under the Biden administration, there has been an unprecedented attack on the supply of reliable and affordable energy, from reducing oil and gas lease sales to the administration’s efforts to shift from reliable electricity sources to renewable energy sources. The partisan Inflation Reduction Act is a central piece of the harmful electrification effort that will undermine the electricity grid. If all of this was not bad enough, there are also governmental efforts to limit Americans from using reliable and affordable energy, such as efforts to severely limit the availability of gas-powered vehicles and bans on natural gas appliances.
Ensuring abundant, reliable, and affordable energy is a must, as is consumer freedom when it comes to energy. The Competitive Enterprise Institute advocates for policies to keep energy abundant, affordable, and competitive. Carbon fuels—coal, natural gas, and oil—provide about 80 percent of U.S. and global energy. They are the world’s dominant energy sources because, in most markets, they beat the alternatives in both cost and performance.
CEI is leading efforts to defend the personal energy choices of Americans. We advocate for policies that will stop government at all levels from banning or restricting what good and services Americans can choose to best meet their needs.
For decades, CEI has opposed regulatory overreach from the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies that put undue costs on energy industries and consumers. These include President Biden’s new power plant rule, the “Blackout Plan,” which would ignore the major questions problems detailed in West Virginia v. EPA, increase consumer electricity prices, and threaten grid reliability. CEI’s research and policy proposals have been instrumental on energy issues.
Featured Posts

Blog
CEI’s The Surge: California waivers, IRIS, and more
If you are interested in analysis and perspective on current energy and environmental issues, then we encourage you to subscribe to this new publication and…

News Release
House moves to stop California ban on gas-powered cars: CEI statement
The House today overwhelmingly passed a resolution rejecting a Biden-era EPA waiver allowing California to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. By…

Blog
President Trump’s three new energy executive orders: A quick overview
On April 8, President Trump signed three new executive orders (EOs) that address the United States’s energy sector. The key themes of the EOs include…
Search Posts
Op-Eds
Is T. Boone Pickens ‘Swiftboating’ America?
Liberals have done a U-turn on conservative billionaire oilman T. Boone Pickens.
Newsletter
Housing Bill, XM-Sirius Merger, and Energy Conservation
The Senate passes a housing bill that includes a new mandatory fingerprint registry. FCC commissioner Jonathan Adelstein signals he may cast his deciding vote to…
Newsletter
Al Gore’s Energy Plan, Fannie Mae’s Lobbying Bill and Intel’s Legal Troubles
Al Gore delivers a major speech calling for the U.S. to eliminate all fossil fuel use in the next ten years. The Associated Press reports…
Op-Eds
Junk Science: Conservation Nation?
President Bush almost got it right this week when he declined to call on Americans to conserve energy. Sadly, he still seems to think that…
Newsletter
Bank Failure, Offshore Oil Drilling and Online Gambling
The multi-billion dollar failure of IndyMac bank in California fuels calls for greater government regulation of financial institutions. President Bush lifts the White House ban…
Newsletter
Bank Failure, EPA Reports and the Future of Wind Power
Federal officials seize control of IndyMac bank in the second-largest bank failure in U.S. history. An Environmental Protection Agency report casts doubt on whether greenhouse…
News Release
EPA Draft CO2 Emissions Regulations Headed Toward Regulatory Train Wreck
Washington, D.C., July 11, 2008—The White House announced today that the Environmental Protection Agency’s Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on regulating carbon dioxide emissions…
Newsletter
Internet Privacy, Greenhouse Gases and Offshore Drilling
Senators hear testimony on the privacy implications of online advertising. Developing nations reject the plan for cutting greenhouse gases created by leaders of the “Group…
Op-Eds
The Wind Cries ‘Bailout!’
Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens launched a media blitz this week to announce his plan for us "to escape the grip of foreign oil." Now…
Human Events
The Wastefulness of Ethanol
Human Events discusses the efficiency of ethanol compared to gasoline with Iain Murray. Moreover, that one gallon of ethanol that is produced through…
Newsletter
Oil Prices, Housing Markets and Power Plants
The president of OPEC predicts even higher oil prices in the near future. Washington, D.C. suburb Fairfax County, Virginia plans to spend $10 million to…
Op-Eds
Georgia Gets Green ‘Justice’
Vicki Lawrence’s 1972 hit "The night the lights went out in Georgia" may become the official state song thanks to what passes for justice in…
Newsletter
Air Travel Taxes, Illegal Produce and Hybrid Subsidies
Global warming taxes on airline travel mean fewer visitors to Amsterdam’s airport. European Union inspectors force a produce seller in the UK to throw out…
Newsletter
Credit Card Fines, Offshore Drilling and Mortgage Securities
Visa and MasterCard agree to pay American Express $4 billion for allegedly violating antitrust laws. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger slams proposals…
Op-Eds
Where’s McCain’s ‘Fuel Cell Express’?
NASA’s James Hansen tried this week to surf the 20th anniversary of his famous congressional testimony that launched global warming hysteria. Apparently not wanting to…
Comment
Testimony before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
Introduction Chairman Markey, Chairman Eshoo, Ranking Member Sensenbrenner, Ranking Member Issa, and Committee Members: Thank you for the opportunity to share my views on global…
Newsletter
Fingerprints, Telecom Lawsuits and Al Gore’s Carbon Footprint
The Senate considers a bill creating a new federal fingerprint registry. The House of Representatives votes to shield telecom companies from lawsuits arising from the…
Newsletter
Drilling for Oil, Regulating Wall Street and Speaking Out On Unions
One million Americans sign a petition urging Congress to allow offshore drilling for oil and gas. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson calls for the Federal Reserve…
Newsletter
Offshore Oil Drilling, Fingerprint Requirements and the Impact of Clouds on Global Warming
President Bush urges Congress to overturn the federal ban on oil drilling off the shores of the U.S. Senators plan to vote on a housing…
Op-Eds
Al Gore’s Epic Hypocrisy
Al Gore imagines that future poets will be singing his praises 1,000 years from now. In the meantime back on Planet Earth, he may have…
Newsletter
Google, Ethanol and a Housing Trust Fund
Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) grills Google on consumer privacy concerns. Gas prices dip slightly from their record high. The Senate considers a housing “rescue” bill.
Newsletter
The Fairness Doctrine, Windfall Profits and Recycling Mandates
Lawmakers clash over FCC broadcast regulation known as the “Fairness Doctrine.” Prominent politicians debate a windfall profits tax for oil companies. European lawmakers pass stringent…
Op-Eds
Greens Thwart Gasoline Production
Four-plus-dollar gasoline is forcing Americans to realize that we need increased domestic oil production to meet our ever-growing demand for affordable fuel. But even if…
Newsletter
Gas Prices, the Federal Reserve and Insurance Regulation
Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) claims that the global warming legislation she recently endorsed would not result in an increase in gas prices. Federal Reserve Bank…
Newsletter
Gas Prices, Cafeteria Politics and Carbon Rationing
Average gas prices rise past $4 a gallon. Senators vote to turn their money-losing dining facilities over to management by…
Newsletter
Green Jobs, Eminent Domain and New Oil Refineries
A new report by unions and environmental groups predicts a rosy future for “green collar” jobs. The American Civil Liberties Union campaigns against reform of…
News Release
Senate Should Say ‘No’ to Ending Debate on Energy-Rationing Legislation
The Competitive Enterprise Institute urges Senators to vote no on a motion to end debate on the global warming legislation sponsored by Joseph Lieberman (I-CT)…
Newsletter
Time Warner, Energy Prices and Biofuels
Time Warner begins metering its customers’ Internet usage. The Senate continues debate on major global warming legislation. International officials debate the causes of soaring food…
Newsletter
Vaclav Klaus, Transportation and ExxonMobil
Czech President Vaclav Klaus’ new book on environmental policy questions the alleged “consensus” on global warming. Congress of Racial Equality Chairman Roy Innis likens current…
Newsletter
Environmentalism, Vioxx and Carbon Offsets
The Washington Examiner editorializes on how environmental policies expand the scope of government power. Merck wins two appeals in lawsuits related to its painkiller Vioxx.
Study
The Climate Security Act S. 2191/S. 3036
Full Document Available in PDF A tax Cap-and-trade can only work by raising…
News Release
Senate Poised to Debate Lieberman-Warner Energy-Rationing Bill
The U.S. Senate on Monday will likely start debate on energy-rationing legislation that would raise energy prices dramatically for American consumers, while benefiting big business…
Op-Eds
Poseur Shareholders
The green blitzkrieg hit the ExxonMobil annual shareholder meeting this week. The green blitzkrieg hit the ExxonMobil annual shareholder meeting this week. The meeting featured…
Newsletter
Gas Prices, Farm Subsidies and Vioxx Lawsuits
Oil company executives are grilled on high gas prices by members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Congress prepares to override President Bush’s veto of the…
Newsletter
Immigrant Intelligence, Hybrid Vehicles and the Cell Phone Pregnancy Scare
U.S. intelligence agencies seek help recruiting new immigrants as analysts and translators. Nissan to invest $115 million to mass produce batteries for electric and hybrid…
Op-Eds
British lessons for Wisconsin
Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, who says that global warming "demands aggressive action," last week signed an agreement with the United Kingdom "to…
Newsletter
Polar Bears, Subsidies for Millionaires and Credit Card Fees
The Department of the Interior finds that polar bears are “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. The House of Representatives approves major new farm legislation.
Human Events
Biofuels Mandates
News Release
An Energy Bill That Puts Consumers Last
As prices for oil and gas rise to record levels, members of Congress have responded with an energy bill that, while ostensibly intended to…
Newsletter
Ethanol, Broadband and Consumer Safety
Momentum builds in Congress to repeal the mandate for use of corn-based ethanol in motor fuels. Comcast considers capping monthly Internet downloads and charging overage…
Study
The Consumer-Last Energy Bill
The Consumer-First Energy Act, intended to address the energy crisis, fails to achieve its stated purpose.
Newsletter
Farm Subsidies, Chemicals in Plastic and High Gas Prices
The White House announces plans to veto the recently-passed $300 billion farm bill. Debate continues over the safety of plastic additive bisphenol A, or BPA.
Op-Eds
Biofuels Debate Heats Up
Ryan Radia and William Yeatman argue that support for bio-fuels is drying up as food costs rise and commodities markets destabilize.
Newsletter
Satellite Radio, Gas Prices and the Credit Crunch
Sirius and XM Satellite await final government approval of their merger. Average gas prices rise to a new record high, prompting accusations of price gouging.
Human Events
Biofuel Mandates
Newsletter
Polar Bears, Biofuels and Employment Discrimination
A federal judge orders the Department of the Interior to determine whether the polar bear is a threatened species. More than 100 million people are…
Op-Eds
Let Them Burn Ethanol
American grocery stores are starting to introduce food rationing. Wal Mart is restricting the amount of rice customers can buy. In Mexico and Yemen,…
News Release
Environmental Disasters and Inconvenient Truths
In the new book The Really Inconvenient Truths, Competitive Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow Iain Murray brings to light an especially inconvenient future: environmental activists…
Newsletter
Deforestation, Internet Regulation and Green Buildings
Senators probe the relationship between climate change and forests. FCC Chairman Kevin Martin tells a congressional hearing that there is no need for new Internet…
Op-Eds
European Railroads Not a Model for U.S. April 23
RAIL Solution’s David Foster (Letters, April 21) claims Europe’s transport system is increasingly “beyond petroleum” because Europe uses high gas taxes not only to discourage…
Op-Eds
Ethanol’s Adding to Hunger in U.S.
Subsidies for ethanol production helps inflate the price of food, making it harder for poor families to eat.
News Release
What Should Forests Fear: Global Warming or Global Warming Policies?
Activists who fear catastrophic effects from global warming have long predicted that deforestation would be one of the many impacts. As the Senate Foreign Relations…
Study
The Really Inconvenient Truths
From the Inside Flap Al Gore is bad for the planet… Talk about really inconvenient truths–that's one of the many you'll find in Iain Murray's…
Newsletter
Biofuels, Natural Gas Prices and Farm Subsidies
Dramatically rising food prices are linked to the expanded use of biofuels. Natural gas prices in the U.S. rise 93% in eight months. Political wrangling…
Newsletter
Bush’s Climate Plan, Carcinogens in Plastic and Free Trade
President Bush outlines a new plan for national climate policy. A new study raises concerns about a connection between plastics and cancer. Democratic leaders in…
Op-Eds
Junk Science: A New ‘Green’ Body Count Begins
Food riots caused by rising food prices have erupted around the world. Five people died in uprisings in Haiti, perhaps the first of…
Study
A Free Market Approach to Energy Security
Proposed measures to achieve "energy independence" have the potential to inflict significant economic damage on America.
News Release
Bush on Global Warming: A Big Mistake that Could Have Been Worse
President Bush's speech on global warming today lays out a blueprint for slow motion economic decline. It legitimizes global warming alarmism and undermines opposition…
Newsletter
Judicial Salaries, Food Riots and the Olympic Torch
New York state judge Judith Kaye sues to have the salaries of state judges increased by 20%. The head of the International Monetary Fund warns…
Op-Eds
Will Greenery Promote Growth, and Save the World (and Money)?
In Europe, consumers pay up to $9 a gallon for gasoline, in part because European Union governments tax gasoline at rates of $2 to $3…
Newsletter
Global Health Threats, Foreclosure Relief and Food Riots
Members of Congress hear testimony on whether global warming will become a threat to human health. Senators agree on a foreclosure relief plan for mortgage…
Newsletter
China Under Fire, Free Trade and High Gas Prices
Demonstrators disrupt the Olympic torch ceremony in Paris to protest China’s human rights record. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi objects to the U.S.-Colombia trade agreement negotiated…
Op-Eds
Green jobs law an empty promise
If lawmakers in Olympia are serious about global warming, there is a simple solution that economists agree is the easiest, most efficient…
News Release
Will Global Warming Harm Human Health?
This week committees in both the Senate and House of Representatives will be holding hearings on whether global warming will cause future harm to…
Op-Eds
CEI Fights Sierra Club Demands for CO2
The Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) and more than a dozen other conservative groups filed an amicus brief March 21 against a Sierra Club…
Newsletter
Al Gore’s Ads, Cultural Diversity and the Farm Bill
Al Gore launches a $300 million ad campaign to promote his global warming agenda. The Maryland legislature moves to mandate “cultural diversity” programs at all…
Study
California’s Energy Policy
Full Document Available in PDF Global warming policies championed by former Vice President…
Op-Eds
A Maverick Climate Policy
Republican nominee for president John McCain recently returned from a whirlwind tour of Europe meant to promote his global statesmanship. In Europe,…
Comment
Brief of Amici Curiae In the Matter of Deseret Power Electric Cooperative
Before the Environmental Appeals Board United States Environmental Protection Agency Washington, DC In the matter of:…
Newsletter
Bandwidth Flood, Ethanol Victims and Insurance Mandates
Politicians debate the possibility of requiring Americans to purchase health insurance. Ethanol mandates continue to raise prices on agricultural producers around the country. Internet experts…
Human Events
Affordable Energy
Human Events
Affordable Energy
Human Events
Affordable Energy
Human Events
Affordable Energy
Human Events
Affordable Energy
News Release
CEI Launches National Ad Campaign on the Impact of Al Gore’s Global Warming Policies
Developing World Most at Risk from Energy Constraints…
Human Events
Energy Rationing
Human Events
CEI’s Ad Campaign
Op-Eds
Energy Dollars and Sense
Rising energy costs threaten the U.S. economy, and the GOP doesn’t seem to care. Last December, Congressional Republicans joined a Republican president in support of…
Op-Eds
Candidates Fail Energy Independence Test
All the presidential candidates say they’re for energy independence. So why didn’t they do something about it when they had the chance?…
Op-Eds
Looming Lightbulb Liability
The speeding freight train carrying toxic waste liability for makers, sellers and purchasers of compact fluorescent lightbulbs, or CFLs, was only faintly audible in the…
Op-Eds
Lights out, America?
The lights may soon go out in Washington, D.C. — and it could happen where you live, too. "Electric power has already…
Op-Eds
Ethanol mandate would harm CO economy
<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags” />Colorado, beware: An army of well connected lobbyists has persuaded Congress to adopt an ethanol policy that's…
Human Events
Carol Browner’s Socialist Ties
Op-Eds
Somewhere, Mr. Edison Gently Weeps
A New Yorker cartoon from several years ago shows a vast, cubicle-filled office, with a manager explaining that the "dim fluorescent lighting is meant to…
Op-Eds
A Lightbulb Tea Party?
“No man's life, liberty or property is safe while the legislature is in session.” That comment by New York State Surrogate Court Judge…
Op-Eds
Living up to green ‘standards’
In his HGTV show “Living with Ed,” actor and environmentalist Ed Begley Jr. shows his viewers how to live green. Begley certainly more…
News Release
Senate Holds Hearing on Irrelevant Climate Plan
Washington, D.C., November 8, 2007—This morning the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will meet to hear testimony on legislation that would severely restrict…
News Release
Congress Seeks Costly Light Bulb Mandates
Contact: Christine Hall, 202.331.2258 Washington, D.C., September 12, 2007— Congress today is debating plans for forcing costly "energy efficient" lighting standards on…
Letters
A Joint Letter to the U. S. House of Representatives on H. R. 6 and Other Legislation to Raise Energy Prices
A Joint Letter to the U. S. House of Representatives on H. R. 6 and Other Legislation to Raise Energy Prices Washington,…
News Release
Stringent Government Rules Can Turn Deadly
Newsletter
Cooler Heads Digest
1. The Week in Global Warming News 2. CEI’s Insider Information 3. Issue of the Week: Marlo Lewis’s Senate Testimony4.
Newsletter
Cooler Heads Digest
1. The Week in Global Warming News 2. CEI’s Insider Information 3. Issue of the Week: A Federal Renewable…
Study
Gone with the Wind
As part of comprehensive legislation to raise energy prices, the Senate is once again considering proposals to set a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) for electric…
News Release
CEI’s ‘Send Your Underwear to the Undersecretary’ Campaign Goes *Virtual*
Washington, D.C., June 18, 2007—CEI’s campaign against the U.S. Department of Energy’s disastrous washing machine efficiency rules has gone virtual. Rather than physically mailing underwear…
Letters
A Joint Letter to the U. S. Senate on S. 1419, the Making Energy Less Affordable Act
Washington, D. C. 14th June 2007 Dear Senator: The undersigned organizations are writing to share our concerns about S. 1419,…
Study
Corn-Based Ethanol
A boom in ethanol production is taking place today for variety of reasons. Undoubtedly, the most significant factor is government support and subsidies for biofuel…
Study
First, Do No Harm to Motorists
Sam Kazman explores why Congress should focus its attention not on making C.A.F.E. standards more stringent, but on scrapping them and, at a minimum, avoid…
News Release
Gas Price Gouging Bill “Unconscionable”
Contact: Richard Morrison, 202.331.2273 Washington, D.C., May 22, 2007—The Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act introduced by Rep. Bart Stupak (D.-MI)…
News Release
Send Your Underwear to the Undersecretary
Sending real underwear to the Undersecretary can be a bit of a hassle, so we've provided a way for you to email a "virtual…
Staff & Scholars

Sam Kazman
Counsel Emeritus
- Antitrust
- Automobiles and Roads
- Banking and Finance

Paige Lambermont
Research Fellow
- Capitalism and Free Enterprise
- Energy
- Energy and Environment

Marlo Lewis, Jr.
Senior Fellow
- Climate
- Energy
- Energy and Environment

Ben Lieberman
Senior Fellow
- Climate
- Consumer Freedom
- Energy

Jacob Tomasulo
Policy Analyst
- Climate
- Energy
- Energy and Environment