Heritage Events: What Are the Kids Thinking About Energy and Environmental Policy, Part 2 with Savanna, Laura, and Camilla (the interns)

In this episode of The Power Hour, host Jack Spencer continues his conversation with three young interns from the Heritage Foundation—Camilla, Laura, and Savannah—exploring their perspectives on energy and environmental policy. The discussion begins with personal introductions, highlighting each intern’s background, academic pursuits, and career aspirations. Camilla, a University of Maryland senior studying economics and policy, shares her interest in the financial and practical implications of energy, particularly around data centers and AI. Savannah, an Indiana University nursing graduate now in donor relations, reflects on her journey from healthcare to conservative policy, emphasizing stewardship and the real-world impacts of energy costs on families. Laura, a George Washington University graduate student in Applied Economics, brings a data-driven perspective and a love for music and Japan, while questioning the effectiveness of government regulations on energy and transportation. The conversation delves into topics like climate change skepticism, the role of private stewardship, the dangers of climate alarmism, and the unintended consequences of well-intentioned policies. The interns collectively advocate for humility, skepticism, and practical, efficient policy that respects individual responsibility and real-world outcomes over ideological mandates. The episode concludes with a powerful call to action: think critically, question narratives, and prioritize real environmental problems like microplastics over perceived crises. The hosts and guests emphasize that effective policy must be grounded in lived experience, not ivory tower theory. Key takeaways include the importance of private property rights in environmental stewardship, the need to avoid overregulation that harms affordability, and the value of skepticism in public discourse. The tone is thoughtful, respectful, and energized by youthful insight, reflecting a generational shift toward pragmatic conservatism. Despite some light humor and playful banter, the episode maintains a serious, policy-focused core, underscoring the value of diverse voices in shaping the future of energy and environmental policy.