Rick Perry's Resurgence: Navigating Policy-Driven Opportunities in Energy and Infrastructure

The political career of Rick Perry, once confined to Texas and the halls of the Trump administration, is experiencing a revival with implications that could reshape the U.S. energy landscape. As Chairman of the Executive Advisory Board at NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE), Perry's influence extends beyond policy advocacy into the private sector, positioning him as a pivotal figure in advancing nuclear innovation and opposing regulatory barriers to energy infrastructure development. For investors, his resurgence signals a critical juncture to reassess opportunities in energy equities and infrastructure—particularly in sectors aligned with Republican policy priorities.

The Perry Playbook: Policy as Catalyst for Investment

Perry's current role at NANO Nuclear, a leader in advanced nuclear technologies, underscores his dual focus on nuclear innovation and streamlining energy regulations. His appointment, effective June 2025, comes amid growing bipartisan support for nuclear power as a clean, baseload energy source capable of powering data centers, AI systems, and advanced manufacturing. NANO's portfolio—spanning microreactors (e.g., the KRONOS MMR™) and nuclear fuel transportation—benefits directly from Perry's advocacy for reducing regulatory hurdles.

Perry's broader policy influence, however, extends far beyond nuclear. His vocal opposition to proposed changes by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) highlights his commitment to preserving blanket authorizations for energy investments. These rules, allowing up to $10 million in investments without FERC review, have been critical in attracting capital to stalled projects like pipelines and renewable installations. A reveals its stock rising 25% year-to-date, outpacing broader energy indices—a trend likely to continue if regulatory reforms favor private capital.

Policy Crossroads: Fossil Fuels vs. Renewables

Perry's advocacy intersects with Project 2025, a Heritage Foundation initiative seeking to roll back Biden-era climate policies, including the Inflation Reduction Act's (IRA) clean energy subsidies. While Perry's focus is on infrastructure deregulation, Project 2025's broader goals—such as opening public lands to fossil fuel drilling—align with a GOP agenda to prioritize traditional energy over renewables. For investors, this creates a dual opportunity:

1. Nuclear and Advanced Energy: Firms like NANO Nuclear, Babcock & Wilcox (BWXT), and Westinghouse (a subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management) stand to benefit from Perry's push for nuclear innovation and infrastructure-friendly policies.
2. Fossil Fuel Revival: If Project 2025 gains traction, sectors like oil and gas (e.g., Devon Energy (DVN), Marathon Oil (MRO)) and coal could see renewed investment as regulatory burdens ease.

shows a stagnation in approvals, suggesting that Perry's advocacy for regulatory simplification could unlock pent-up demand.

ESG Risks: Balancing Opportunity with Sustainability

While Perry's policies may boost short-term returns, they carry significant ESG risks. Opponents like Tyson Slocum of Public Citizen argue that relaxed regulations could exacerbate market consolidation, threatening competition and consumer choice. Meanwhile, environmental groups warn that prioritizing fossil fuels over renewables could undermine global climate goals, leading to stranded assets if international carbon policies tighten.

Investors must weigh these risks against the political reality: infrastructure investment is a bipartisan priority. Even Democrats recognize the need to modernize energy grids and pipelines. The key is to focus on companies that straddle both policy and ESG trends, such as those investing in carbon capture (e.g., Laredo Petroleum (LPI)) or grid resilience (e.g., Dominion Energy (D)).

Investment Strategy: Timing and Diversification

The window for capitalizing on Perry's influence is narrowing. Key triggers for investment include:
- FERC's Final Rule on Blanket Authorizations: Expected by Q4 2025, a favorable decision could unlock $50 billion in stalled projects.
- Project 2025's Legislative Momentum: Monitor Republican primaries and House/Senate races for signs of policy alignment.

Recommendations:
- Aggressive Investors: Allocate 10-15% to nuclear plays like NANO Nuclear and BWXT, paired with fossil fuel equities.
- Moderate Investors: Focus on diversified energy infrastructure funds (e.g., Global X U.S. Infrastructure Development ETF (PAVE)) and utilities with ESG credentials.
- ESG-Conscious Portfolios: Prioritize companies with dual-use technologies (e.g., microreactors for both industrial and grid applications) or those leveraging public-private partnerships (e.g., American Tower (AMT) for grid-related projects).

Conclusion: A Policy-Driven Pivot

Rick Perry's resurgence reflects a broader shift toward policy-driven energy investment, where deregulation and infrastructure spending take precedence over climate goals. For investors, the calculus is clear: sectors aligned with Perry's influence—nuclear innovation, fossil fuel modernization, and grid upgrades—present compelling opportunities. However, success hinges on balancing policy tailwinds with ESG realities. As Perry's career demonstrates, energy markets are as much about political momentum as they are about technology and capital.

Data as of June 2025. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.