U.S. Energy Policies: Promoting Independence

As energy security becomes an increasingly urgent global priority, strengthening transatlantic understanding of U.S. energy policy and innovation is critical. Through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a delegation of French government, academic, and business leaders visited the United States to explore how federal and local actors advance energy independence through innovation, infrastructure, and private sector leadership. This exchange supported shared U.S.-France priorities by encouraging bilateral investment, technological cooperation, and knowledge sharing across the energy sector.

Project Objectives

• Explore U.S. strategies to promote energy independence and expand energy sources.
• Examine how federal, state, and local actors formulate and implement energy policy.
• Highlight the role of private industry in driving innovation and developing infrastructure.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen U.S.-France investment and collaboration in the energy sector.

Project Design

Washington, DC: Meetings with the U.S. Department of Energy, members of Congress, and policy advocates offered a national-level overview of the American energy landscape. Discussions focused on long-term strategies for energy security and regulatory innovation.

Pittsburgh, PA: As a research and industrial hub, Pittsburgh showcased the intersection of traditional energy production and advanced innovation. Visitors meet with leaders in natural gas and fracking production, top R&D university program heads, commercial leaders, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Tulsa, OK: In Tulsa, visitors toured waste processing centers and engaged with both public and private sector leaders to understand how decentralized, business-driven approaches power regional energy systems. Discussions emphasized scalable models of energy independence and waste-to-energy innovation.

Miami, FL: The program concluded in Miami, where the delegation explored forward-looking approaches to energy infrastructure. Conversations with energy pioneers and infrastructure experts explored opportunities for future U.S.-France innovation partnerships. Visitors also participated in cultural activities, including home hospitality and visits to the Everglades National Park and a local cattle ranch.

Impact and Next Steps

• Develop partnerships with U.S. energy innovators and policymakers introduced during the visit.
• Share case studies from Tulsa and Pittsburgh with French municipalities exploring similar energy transitions.
• Integrate lessons on decentralized energy systems into university research and government policy discussions.
• Explore opportunities for bilateral investment in energy infrastructure and technology exchange.
  Visitors learn about the no-site energy sources at Pittsburgh International Airport.

  Visitors inside of Pensacola Dam.