DiscoverEnergy Solutions: A Podcast From EPSAYes in My Backyard: Breaking Down Barriers to Critical Energy Infrastructure
Yes in My Backyard: Breaking Down Barriers to Critical Energy Infrastructure

Yes in My Backyard: Breaking Down Barriers to Critical Energy Infrastructure

Update: 2025-06-18
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Description

America’s energy demand is rising fast and our power supply has shrunk, but getting infrastructure built is harder than ever. In this episode, Curtis Wilkerson breaks down why critical projects like solar farms, natural gas plants, transmission lines, and hydrogen hubs face costly delays and fierce local (and outside) opposition – sometimes turning 3-year builds into 10-year battles. 

We explore how permitting challenges, political gridlock, and cultural disconnects at the community level are standing in the way of a more reliable, affordable, and cleaner grid – and the race to power AI and a growing economy.  

Highlights: 

  •  Why we need all types of energy projects – urgently 
  • How local roadblocks are making infrastructure slower and more expensive
  • What’s changed in permitting, siting, and community politics 
  • What developers and policymakers can do differently 

A must-listen for anyone who cares about the future of the grid, energy innovation, or how we build anything in America today. 

Guest: Curtis Wilkerson, Orion Strategies 

Host: Todd Snitchler, President and CEO, EPSA 

Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

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Yes in My Backyard: Breaking Down Barriers to Critical Energy Infrastructure

Yes in My Backyard: Breaking Down Barriers to Critical Energy Infrastructure

Electric Power Supply Association