Americans for Prosperity Arkansas: Modernizing Rural Infrastructure Without Raising Costs

Americans for Prosperity Arkansas Director Ryan Norris talks energy infrastructure, regulatory reform, and the role of critical minerals in supporting rural America.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (RFD NEWS) — Reliable and affordable energy infrastructure is becoming a growing focus for rural America as the U.S. works to reduce reliance on foreign energy sources. Efforts are underway to modernize aging power grids in rural communities while keeping costs manageable for residents and producers.

Ryan Norris, Americans for Prosperity Arkansas Director, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss strategies for modernizing energy infrastructure without burdening rural families, farmers, and agricultural producers.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Norris addresses how permitting and regulatory reform are being implemented in rural communities and why affordable, reliable power is critical for agriculture and economic competitiveness. He also highlighted Arkansas’ role in providing 15 percent of the nation’s lithium supply and discussed how critical minerals like lithium fit into America’s broader energy security strategy.

Related Stories
Despite tariffs having a less significant impact on exports, corn producers struggle with tariff-related increases on inputs, which complicates their bottom line.
Jack Daniel’s will end its Cow Feeder Program, which served around 100 livestock operations near the distillery, and redirect spent grains to its anaerobic digester.
Prepare for acute UAN risk and a brief urea shock; maintain steady ammonia and phosphate plans, and monitor potash basis on the coasts.
Catch the special, “Praise and Worship: More Than a Hollow Hallelujah,” on The Gaither Gospel Hour, Friday at 8 PM ET only on RFD-TV!
National FFA Organization Chief Program Officer Christine White previews the programs and activities planned for this year’s FFA Convention.
Dave Kestel, a farmer from Will County and member of the Illinois Farm Bureau, joins us to share a boots-on-the-ground update on the 2025 corn harvest.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Farmers who rely on H-2A workers will see a few key changes to speed up the process and make it fairer. On the ground, producers say labor issues create shortfalls in otherwise productive harvests.
John Appel with the Farmers Business Network (FBN) joins us for a closer look at the 2026 Crop Protection Market Outlook Report.
Industry leaders representing more than 40 nations gathered to discuss the future of ethanol and other corn-based products.
Farmers display a unique optimism — planting with the expectation that weather, basis, and prices will improve by harvest — asserting that the profession is an identity, not just a job.
A fast-moving series of trade signals from the White House and key partners is resetting the near-term outlook for U.S. agriculture.
Team Knighten Industries – Alton Jones Jr. and Jake Lawrence – dominated from start to finish to win Knockout Match 2 and advance to the Championship Round at the Folds of Honor Patriot Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches.