The Conservative Energy Podcast

Connor and Bradley welcome Pebble Mine CEO John Shively for a conversation about the state of mining in America and what it’s like to operate a major mining project in 2026.

We invite Andrew Hall, Michigan Field Representative for the Land & Liberty Coalition, to explore how grassroots advocates are building local support for clean energy projects across the state. Andrew shares insights from the field, from engaging rural communities to promoting landowner rights, and highlights how Michigan is leading by example in advancing secure, reliable, and locally driven energy solutions.

Learn more about the Conservative Energy Network: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.conservativeenergynetwork.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow CEN on X: @ConsEnergyNetMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

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In this episode, we invite Lillian Floutsis, Indiana Senior Field Representative, to hear firsthand how local communities are advancing clean energy and protecting property rights across the Hoosier State. From grassroots engagement to policy wins, Lillian shares what it takes to build trust, drive collaboration, and empower communities to shape Indiana’s energy future.

Learn more about the Conservative Energy Network: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.conservativeenergynetwork.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Follow CEN on X: @ConsEnergNet

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We invite Chris Lane, Senior Partner at Cygnal, to unpack new voter polling conducted in partnership with the Conservative Energy Network. The survey reveals strong bipartisan support for expanding transmission infrastructure in the PJM and MISO regions — key to strengthening grid reliability, lowering energy costs, and boosting U.S. energy independence. Chris breaks down what voters really think about the electric grid, energy affordability, and the role of markets in modernizing America’s power system.

Links & Resources:

Full CEN Polling on "Voters Across the Political Spectrum Want Affordable and Reliable Electricity, Modernization, and Local Say in Grid Decisions"

https://conservativeenergynetwork.org/polling/

Learn more about the Conservative Energy Network: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.conservativeenergynetwork.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Follow CEN on X: @ConsEnergNet

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In this episode, we dig into the rise of data centers — their challenges around energy demand and reliability, and the opportunities they create for innovation and economic growth. Our guest Salome Garcia, Director of Policy & Programming from CEN, shares how smart policies can help harness their benefits while addressing their impact on communities and infrastructure.

Links & Resources:

Learn more about the Conservative Energy Network: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.conservativeenergynetwork.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Follow CEN on X: @ConsEnergNet

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

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In this live episode from #NCES2025, we sit down with Logan O’Neill, Midwest Regional Director at Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE), to explore how chambers of commerce are driving clean energy conversations. Logan shares how chambers connect businesses and communities, advocate for local projects, and why their voices can be a game-changer for economic development and energy growth.

Links & Resources:

Learn more about Chambers for Innovation & Clean Energy:

https://www.chambersforinnovation.com/connect

Learn more about the Conservative Energy Network: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.conservativeenergynetwork.org⁠⁠⁠ 

Follow CEN on X: @ConsEnergNet

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

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LIVE from #NCES2025 in Cleveland, Ohio!

In this episode we sit down with Bill Smith, Chairman & CEO of Firepoint Energy, to explore how the company is turning overlooked resources into groundbreaking energy solutions. Bill shares how Firepoint is innovating at the new energy frontier—recovering valuable rare earth elements from waste coal while also unlocking its potential for sustainable aviation fuel and powering hyperscale AI data centers. From national security to technological innovation, this conversation dives into how rethinking waste can help meet global demand, strengthen U.S. energy independence, and fuel the future.

Links & Resources:

Learn more about Firepoint Energy:

https://firepoint.energy/default.htm

Learn more about the Conservative Energy Network: ⁠⁠https://www.conservativeenergynetwork.org⁠⁠ 

Follow CEN on X: @ConsEnergNet

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

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We invite Rachel Levine, Senior Transmission Policy Analyst at the Niskanen Center, to unpack the promise and challenges of building a national macrogrid. She explains what a macrogrid is and how it differs from today’s regional systems, dives into the technical differences between AC and DC transmission, and explores how expanded transmission could boost rural economies, strengthen grid reliability during extreme weather, and advance U.S. energy security.

Links & Resources:

Learn more about the Conservative Energy Network: ⁠https://www.conservativeenergynetwork.org⁠ 

Follow CEN on X: @ConsEnergNet

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-roll

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Full Paper: Unlocking HVDC: How Congress can enable a more resilient grid

https://www.niskanencenter.org/how-congress-can-enable-a-more-resilient-grid/

Learn more about the Niskanen Center:

https://www.niskanencenter.org/

In this episode of Tales from the Field, we head to Wisconsin with Kaden Crapp, Field Manager of the Wisconsin Land & Liberty Coalition®. Kaden shares stories from the ground, highlighting the local dynamics, challenges, and successes he's encountered while advocating for clean energy and property rights in the Badger State.

Contact Kaden:

[email protected]

Learn more about the Land & Liberty Coalition®:

https://www.landandlibertycoalition.com/

Learn more about the Conservative Energy Network:

https://conservativeenergynetwork.org/

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-roll

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In this episode, we unpack the newly signed Big Beautiful Bill, exploring how its final version differs from the original, and what it means for U.S. energy policy. The hosts discuss the impact of FEOC (Foreign Entity of Concern) provisions, restrictive tax credit timelines, industry struggles with onshoring, and what may come next from Congress or state leaders. 

Links & Resources:

Learn more about the Conservative Energy Network: https://www.conservativeenergynetwork.org 

Follow CEN on X: @ConsEnergNet

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-roll

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