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
Tyson’s closure reflects deep supply shortages in the U.S. cattle industry, tightening packing capacity, weakening competition, and signaling more volatility ahead for cow-calf producers and feedyards.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses industry reactions to the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, the Surface Transportation Board’s review process, and current conditions on the Mississippi River.
Lower tariff rates and new rail-service proposals may improve corn movement efficiency during early-season marketing.
Crop producers face tightening credit and lower incomes, while strong cattle markets continue to stabilize finances in livestock-heavy regions.
Removing the 40% duty sharply lowers U.S. beef import costs on beef, coffee, fertilizer and fruit, and restores Brazil’s competitiveness during a period of tight domestic supply.

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:

Lewie Pugh with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) discusses the gap in truck driver education programs and how it impacts road safety and supply chain economics.
She joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to share more about her new cookbook, “Dishes and Devotions: Make Every Day Delicious,” which recently hit #1 in Amazon’s Cajun & Creole Cooking category.
$11 billion will go to row-crop farmers immediately, with $1 billion set aside for specialty crops.
Eastern Region VP Joey Nowotny of Delaware joins us on FFA Today to talk about his new leadership role and an exciting year ahead for the National FFA Organization.
Cattle imports from Mexico remain stalled amid the New World screwworm outbreak. At the same time, Tyson closures add pressure on Nebraska producers and markets ahead of the USDA’s upcoming Cattle on Feed Report.
Georgia has regained its HPAI-free status after a swift response to October’s detection. Commissioner Tyler Harper urges producers to stay vigilant and maintain biosecurity.