Leverage American Innovation

Innovation and creating jobs is just part of who we are. And thanks to innovation, America has reduced its emissions by more than any other country in the last 20 years. We did this through new American technology, research at the Department of Energy, and strong bipartisan support.

We need to double down and get more American innovations to market.


Fusion Reactor Scientists

Why is American innovation so important?

Innovation keeps energy affordable, reliable and clean. United States’ public investment in R&D has generated returns to the U.S. economy of 140 to 210 percent. In the energy sector, innovations in nuclear energy, carbon capture and sequestration, and geothermal energy are poised to play a critical role in meeting demand growth, bolstering reliability, and reducing consumer energy costs.

Plug Into More American Innovation

Innovation bolsters U.S. energy dominance while reducing emissions. American innovations in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing enabled the U.S. to shift from relying on imports for 46% of its oil and natural gas needs in 2000 to exporting the equivalent of 10% of its demand today. These technologies have also drastically reduced CO2 emissions. Today, similar technological breakthroughs are spilling over into the geothermal energy and geologic hydrogen industries, catalyzing new investments in federal innovation to position America as the global leader in subsurface energy production.

CO2 Emissions Reductions Relative to 2005 Caused by Changes in the Fuel Mix of Electricity Generation

Investing in innovation is key to winning the global AI race. As our adversaries, like China, continue to invest heavily in R&D, the U.S. must increase its R&D support for critical clean energy technologies and continue catalyzing billions in private sector investment to prevail over China and maintain its leadership in critical emerging technologies like AI. Favorable R&D tax treatment, like immediate deductibility for R&D expenses as included in H.R. 1 One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the Senate Finance reconciliation bill, is another powerful lever to encourage more private sector investment across the economy.

Government Spending on Energy R&D, 2015-2023

Solutions

Strategically invest in federal R&D: Investments in federal research and development (R&D) and domestic supply chains are essential to maintaining U.S competitiveness in innovation across all industries, from energy and manufacturing to advanced computing and agriculture.

Accelerate private sector deployment: Public-private partnerships maintained by key federal agencies like the Department of Energy paired with clean energy financial incentives, are critical to meeting energy demand growth, winning the AI race and creating American jobs through innovation.

Support legislation that advances American Innovation: Republicans are leading on clean energy and manufacturing innovation with several bills, including the Unearth Innovation Act of 2025, Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act and Innovative Mitigation Partnerships for Asphalt and Concrete Technologies (IMPACT) 2.0 Act.