Bruce Westerman

Bruce Westerman, Republican Congressman from Arkansas and chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, dives into the energy and climate policies reshaping the U.S. following the Republican trifecta. He discusses the future of the Inflation Reduction Act and explores pathways for permitting reform, particularly regarding geothermal energy and mining. Westerman emphasizes the crucial role of forests in environmental health and advocates for sustainable management practices. He also reflects on how post-election dynamics can energize collaboration to advance energy legislation.

In a riveting conversation, Bruce Westerman, the only forester in the U.S. Congress and Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, dives into the balancing act of energy policy and conservation. He discusses the urgent need for permitting reform to keep pace with rising electricity demands, especially in the tech sector. Westerman highlights the historical connection between conservatism and conservation and suggests innovative methods to assess America's natural resources. He emphasizes the significance of local resource development for national security.