Stay ConnectedRight of Way is a podcast about energy policy, energy politics, and, above all, the upcoming permitting reform negotiations.
It is hosted by the Foundation for American Innovation’s Director of Infrastructure Policy, Thomas Hochman, and Policy Advisor, Pavan Venkatakrishnan.
Copyright: © 2025-2025 Foundation for American Innovation
We're joined by Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) to discuss how the Senate permitting deal speaks to affordability concerns, why waiting for the next Congress is a mistake, the New Dem priorities that show up in BAAJA, from permit certainty to data centers, and "Silicorn Valley."
We're joined by Office of Energy Dominance Financing Director Greg Beard and EDF Co-Chief Investment Officer Julie Kozeracki to discuss the Department of Energy's financing of reactor parts, the nitty-gritty of the recent EDF loan, and what Congress still needs to do to help make new nuclear happen.
We're joined by Senator Joe Manchin — this time from the Energy Imperatives Summit. We cover the urgency of permitting reform, how political fights over energy infrastructure have evolved, what Sen. Manchin would do differently if he worked on the IRA again, critical minerals, the national debt, and more.
We’re joined by Congressman Josh Harder, chair of the bipartisan Build America Caucus, to talk about the FREEDOM Act – his new permitting certainty bill aimed at stopping presidents from weaponizing red tape against disfavored energy projects.
We cover how court-approved contractors and clear timelines can keep projects on schedule, why an insurance-style de-risking fund gives developers confidence to invest, and how tighter limits on stop‑work orders protect projects that are already under construction.
Congressman Harder also shares what’s next on the Build America agenda for housing, infrastructure, and pro-growth policy.
We’re joined by Permitting Council Executive Director Emily Domenech to discuss administrative vs legislative permitting reform, lessons from Congress, and more.
This week, we’re sitting down with the end-users. We discuss how permitting constrains manufacturing an AI, develop some permitting wishlists, and consider how political dynamics have shifted on both sides of the aisle.
We're live from week two of the government shutdown. We consider how the shutdown could play into permitting reform negotiations, and Politico's Josh gives us the Congressional state of play.
This week, we’re talking about transmission. We dig into interregional planning, FERC backstops, and cost allocation, and discuss why past efforts at reform have come up short.
This week, we talk all about permitting: NEPA, the Clean Water Act, and beyond. We discuss how these laws are slowing or blocking critical infrastructure projects, and consider how to get the political economy right for reform.
In this inaugural episode, we dive deep into the aftermath of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" and what it means for America's energy future. After years of massive, partisan energy packages—from the Democrats' Inflation Reduction Act to the Republicans' recent reconciliation bill—the U.S. finds itself without a clear long-term energy vision. What just happened? Where does this leave us? And where are we going?
Liam Donovan, President, Risk & Reputation Practice at Targeted Victory, and Yogin Kothari, Chief Strategy Officer at SEMA (Solar Energy Manufacturers for America Coalition), join our hosts, Thomas Hochman (Foundation for American Innovation) & Pavan Venkatakrishnan (Institute for Progress).
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