Rainey Center

10/17/2026

The grid has to get more secure and keep growing at the same time. Our new policy brief shows how to do both.

"Securing the Grid While Growing the Grid" makes the case for a security standard that tests every grid device, foreign or domestic, on what actually matters: who can reach it, whether its software can be verified, and where its data goes. It also explains why that approach protects reliability and keeps costs in check as demand climbs.

Read the full brief at the link in our bio.

10/16/2026

The power grid has to get more secure and keep growing at the same time. Our new policy brief, "Securing the Grid While Growing the Grid," looks at how to do both.

The main finding is that where a device is made doesn't tell you whether it's safe. What matters is whether anyone outside the U.S. can reach it, whether its software can be verified, and whether its data stays home. Voters agree: 69% say how grid equipment is built, tested, and controlled matters more than where it was made.

Read the full brief: https://www.raineycenter.org/policy-brief/securing-the-grid-while-growing-the-grid

Executive Order 14421 has the Department of Energy writing implementing rules by December 24, 2026, with comments on its Request for Information due October 9. A parallel FCC action already restricts foreign-made, remotely connected inverters.

10/14/2026

"The good news is, people are still persuadable."

Rainey Center President & CEO Sarah E. Hunt on why voters need the facts on AI and data centers, from data privacy and security to America's place in the AI race.

10/13/2026

AI runs on compute, and compute runs on electricity. Rainey Center President & CEO Sarah E. Hunt discusses what the AI race with China means for American energy, affordability for consumers, and national security.

10/13/2026

We tested ten approaches lawmakers are proposing on data centers against each other. The leader won 64% of its head-to-head matchups. It recruits major investment while requiring developers to bring their own power, hold public meetings, sign community benefits agreements, hire locally, and power down before homes do.

A one-year statewide pause won 51% of its matchups. Keeping existing tax breaks finished last at 35%.

From our September Policy Survey. Read the full memo at the link in bio.

10/13/2026

"Guess what happens if we don't build data centers here? Your data is going to be stored on servers abroad."

Rainey Center President & CEO Sarah E. Hunt on where Americans' personal data is stored, and why most voters don't know.

10/13/2026

48% of voters believe a data center uses far more water than almost any other kind of facility, and another 26% aren't sure.

Where did they hear it? Among voters who believe the claim, 45% point to local TV or local newspapers. TikTok, X and Reddit account for 7%, 4% and 4%.

From our September Policy Survey. Read the full memo at the link in bio.

10/13/2026

The Rainey Center National Summit brings together the policymakers, thinkers, and leaders shaping where this country goes next. December 7–9, 2026 at Disney's Contemporary Resort. You'll want to be in the room where it happens.
🔗 Link in bio to register

10/12/2026

"A permit that can be revoked on a political whim isn't a permit. It's an option that Washington has on your capital."

Rainey Center President & CEO Sarah E. Hunt on why permit durability matters for closing America's $3.7 trillion infrastructure investment gap. Read her policy brief, "When Permits Aren't Permanent," at the link in bio.

10/12/2026

Concern about cyberattacks on critical infrastructure is bipartisan. 86% of voters are concerned, and Democrats and Republicans are identical at 86%.

72% would require stronger cybersecurity standards for infrastructure, even if costs rise.

From our September Policy Survey. Read the full memo at the link in bio.