From Climate to Economy: Priorities and Representation in U.S. Senate Energy Policy Hearings, 2000 – 2021

• In Event: 30610 - Environmental Values, Knowledge, and Politics

Abstract

Energy policy has undergone significant transformations over the past decades. Renewable energy and climate-related technologies have become central to policy discussions and federal investments, while industry interests have continued to exert considerable influence on policy processes. This paper investigates the evolution of public policy priorities and the positioning of various policy actors in response to emerging energy and climate challenges. Through computational text analysis of over 1,200 statements from U.S. Senate hearings between 2000 and 2021, the study reveals a steady increase in the representation of business interests. This trend is accompanied by a growing emphasis on economic considerations and job creation in policy discussions. The analysis highlights significant discrepancies between political parties: Democrats focus more on technology policy, grid security, and emissions, while Republicans emphasize nuclear energy, oil prices, and pipelines. Overall, the emphasis is on improving energy efficiency, carbon capture, and alternative fuels, while themes about climate change are relatively muted. These findings have implications for agenda-setting in energy policy and the role of organizations in influencing the problems and solutions represented in the policy arena.

Author

• Mircea Gherghina, Brown University