CJ Pearson, Co-Chair of the GOP Youth Advisory Council, said that the United States must achieve energy dominance by adopting an all-encompassing energy strategy that includes solar power. This statement was made on the social media platform X.
“America shouldn’t just be energy independent,” said Pearson. “America needs to be ENERGY DOMINANT. That requires an all of the above approach to energy. That includes solar.”
The current U.S. energy policy debate centers on balancing energy independence—reducing reliance on imports—with “energy dominance,” a strategy aimed at influencing global markets and strengthening national security. According to the Heritage Foundation, recent administrations have emphasized boosting domestic fossil fuel, nuclear, and renewable production to achieve these dual goals, framing energy dominance as a strategic imperative.
In 2023, the United States produced approximately 102.83 quadrillion British Thermal Units (BTUs) of energy, surpassing consumption of 93.59 quads. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that natural gas accounted for 38% of production, petroleum 34%, renewables 8%, coal 11%, and nuclear 8%, with solar and wind driving renewable growth. This marks a continued trend toward a more diverse energy mix.
U.S. solar power has grown more than sevenfold in generation since 2015, reaching over 303,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in 2024 and making up 40% of combined wind and solar output. Climate Central indicates that utility-scale solar capacity rose about 10% year-over-year into mid-2025; however, Reuters notes that the pace has slowed from earlier peaks amid recent policy changes.
Pearson, born July 31, 2002, is a conservative activist and co-chair of the Republican National Committee Youth Advisory Council. He focuses on mobilizing Generation Z conservatives through social media and influencer outreach. According to TIME magazine, he played a visible role in the 2024 presidential campaign and has been a prominent youth voice in Republican politics.
