1. TED Talk on permitting coming today!

 
In a recent TED Talk, ClearPath CEO Rich Powell tackles how to remove permitting roadblocks standing in the way of building new clean energy projects needed to power our economy with reliable, affordable and clean energy.

Plug in: Tune in to ClearPath.org or @ClearPathAction at 11 a.m. EST.
 

2. Former House SST Energy Subcommittee Staff Director joins ClearPath

Hillary O’Brien will lead ClearPath’s Carbon Management and Science team as the Senior Program Director.

Before joining ClearPath, O’Brien served as Staff Director of the House Science, Space, and Technology Energy Subcommittee where she directed and managed legislative priorities across the Committee’s DOE jurisdictional portfolio.

  O’Brien was a lead staffer on the passage of:

• the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 and
• the Energy Act of 2020.

What’s clear: “The International Energy Agency projects that carbon capture, utilization, and storage solutions are critical to reducing global emissions and ClearPath continues to be a strong advocate of those technologies. Hillary’s abundant experience in carbon management and science will guide this portfolio and our policy team to a new level,” said Jeremy Harrell, Chief Strategy Officer of ClearPath.

Welcome, Hillary!
 

3. Louisiana’s carbon storage primacy could lead to CCUS boom

 
Louisiana was granted primacy to oversee carbon dioxide storage well applications in the state — a big win toward streamlined carbon storage permitting. The program, known as Class VI Underground Injection Control (UIC), is typically administered by the U.S. EPA and currently has a backlog of over 150 applications to sequester carbon dioxide.

• After over two years of waiting, Louisiana joins Wyoming and North Dakota as the only states with primacy.
• These states have geologic and engineering expertise to quickly and safely permit projects.
• ND approved a project in 9 months, whereas similar projects took the EPA over 6 years.
• ClearPath estimates projects in the queue could capture 6M tonnes per year in LA.

What’s clear: "Granting Louisiana primacy will put their projects on a more certain and expedited path to development. Plus, the United States would be in much better shape for a cleaner energy system overall if applying states receive Class VI primacy and more states consider applying,” said Rich Powell, CEO of ClearPath.
 

4. Bipartisan bill introduced to boost geothermal energy production

Reps. Michelle Steel (R-CA) and Susie Lee (D-NV) introduced bipartisan legislation to expedite the development of geothermal energy, by extending a new categorical exclusion for geothermal resource confirmation wells.

The House Natural Resources Energy and Minerals Subcommittee held a hearing on the bill, H.R. 6474, in December where the need to expedite geothermal permits received broad bipartisan recognition.

What’s clear: Geothermal has enormous potential to bring more 24/7 renewable power to the grid, and this bill cuts through red tape that slows the growth of geothermal energy development.
 

5. ICYMI

• U.S. Treasury released guidance that will determine which hydrogen projects will qualify for the 45V production tax credit. Read more in Axios’ breakdown here.
• Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) introduced the Natural Climate Solutions Research and Extension Act, which would advance agriculture practices that increase carbon storage and reduce U.S. emissions.
• Spark Climate Solutions announced a solicitation for proposals for further research on the natural removal/conversion processes of methane in the atmosphere.
• The DOE is awarding nine carbon capture, transport and storage projects in a variety of industries including multiple projects located at cement facilities.