Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) recently hosted a roundtable in Atlanta with representatives from the American Petroleum Institute (API) and several industry groups to discuss Georgia’s growing energy needs. The meeting focused on how federal policies could support the state’s energy grid as demand is expected to rise significantly over the next decade.
Georgia Power projects up to 9,400 megawatts of additional load growth in the coming years, driven largely by new development and an increase in data centers. Participants discussed the role of American natural gas as a potential solution for providing clean, reliable, and affordable energy.
Congressional Republicans have advanced measures through the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act that require quarterly onshore and offshore gas lease sales. These steps are intended to boost domestic energy production and help replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
The roundtable included representatives from organizations such as the American Chemistry Council, Georgia Natural Gas Association, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Manufacturing Association, Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia, and McGuire Woods.
“With the rise of AI data centers and other technological advances, we need every electron we can get to keep our state, and nation, powered. Georgia must ensure we have the tools to properly arm our grid with the resources needed to continue serving the community without delays or outages. That’s why I’m a big proponent of an ‘all-of-the-above’ type energy strategy, because every energy source will be needed to keep pace with 21st century innovation,” said Rep. Carter.
“As AI, geopolitics and emerging technologies fuel unprecedented U.S. growth, smart energy solutions are more critical than ever. The oil and gas industry is ready to meet this rising demand, and we applaud Congressman Buddy Carter’s leadership, both on the Energy and Commerce Committee and in his Georgia community, for championing policies that plan for lasting energy leadership and success,” said Mike Watson, American Petroleum Institute Director of Federal Relations.
Rep. Carter has consistently secured electoral victories in recent years; he won re-election in 2024 against Patti Hewitt with 62% of the vote compared to Hewitt’s 38%. In previous cycles—2022 against Wade Herring (59.15% vs 40.85%), 2020 against Joyce Griggs (58.35% vs 41.65%), 2018 against Lisa Ring (57.8% vs 42.2%), and 2014 against Brian Reese (60.9% vs 39.1%)—Carter maintained strong margins at the polls.
