AELI @ YRNC Nashville: Make America Energy Dominant
AELI hit the road this summer, traveling to Nashville for a packed Young Republican National Convention, with the most attendees in YR history. Training, strategy, and policy were front and center.
On stage:
AELI President Chris Johnson joined Unleash Utah’s Andrew Sandstrom for a timely panel, “Make America Energy Dominant.” Hosted by i360’s Victoria Vincent, the conversation hit on factors driving energy demand, how America’s cleaner production is a competitive edge, and the policies that turn projects from ideas into reality.
At the booth:
We hosted a busy table on the convention floor, connecting with delegates, county chairs, and student leaders. Discussions focused on outcompeting China in energy and emerging tech, positioning the GOP as the party of innovation, and leveraging America’s natural resources.
What attendees cared about:
AI’s rising power needs and the importance of reliable baseload like nuclear and geothermal
America’s environmental leadership in manufacturing and aligning trade to reward our cleaner production
National security concerns, incl. critical minerals and domestic processing to secure supply chains
An energized, pro-growth message that resonates with younger voters and puts America First, arming young conservatives to push back against false, pessimistic narratives from the Left
Why it matters: YRNC gathers the next wave of GOP leaders. The takeaway was clear: to put America First, win the AI arms race and re-shore critical industries, the country needs more firm power on the grid and a faster path to build it.
Bottom line: Energy dominance is a strategy, not just a slogan. AELI continues to champion ideas that bring this strategy to life, pressing for more capacity, innovative energy technologies, smarter trade, and permitting that gets projects built.
