July 12, 2019 – Series of Clean Energy Bills Set for Action
Important carbon capture, fossil energy, nuclear bills were set for committee vote. ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell attended the swearing in of four new leaders at the U.S. Department of Energy. The annual ARPA-E Technology and Innovation Summit brought together experts from diverse backgrounds to discuss America’s energy challenges and much more.
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June 28, 2019 – Senate Votes to “USE IT”
It was great to see so many of our Rundown readers at the Congressional Baseball Game. Thanks for coming! The Senate voted The Utilizing Significant Emissions with Innovative Technologies (USE IT) Act to be included in the U.S. Senate’s National Defense Authorization Act. ClearPath’s Rich Powell and former Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner Jeff Merrifield presented a plan to modernize the environmental permitting process for advanced nuclear and much more.
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June 21, 2019 – Big Week for Nuclear Energy
The U.S. Senate confirmed Rita Baranwal to head the Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy. And on Tuesday, June 18 the bipartisan Nuclear Energy Leadership Act (NELA) was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. Plus, Rich Powell spoke at the National Energy Resources Organization’s (NERO) luncheon on conservative clean energy solutions and Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy held a briefing on a report they published analyzing the current clean energy tax credit structure. Read More
June 14, 2019 – Clean Energy Takes Main Stage
ClearPath Executive Director, Rich Powell was a member of a panel at the annual Edison Electric Institute’s (EEI) conference. Also, ClearPath welcomes Luke Bolar as Managing Director – External Affairs. Luke joins ClearPath from Edelman where he was Senior Vice President of their energy practice leading communications strategy and public affairs campaigns for energy companies, trade associations and government entities. We also report on a hearing on “Oversight of FERC: Ensuring Its Actions Benefit Consumers and the Environment” and much more. Read More
June 7, 2019 – Storage and Nuclear take Center Stage this Week
Testimonies were heard from top officials at the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, TerraPower as well as Center for Climate and Energy Solutions that highlighted the need for nuclear power as a compliment to other renewable sources. Also, Former ClearPath Program Director Spencer Nelson takes position on the Hill and the Nuclear Innovation Alliance (NIA) Study Highlights the need for DOE Coordination with Private Industry. Read More
May 28, 2019 – Energy Storage Goals Introduced in Both Chambers
Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act was introduced and it reorients the federal grid scale storage research, development, and demonstration program around ambitious technology goals necessary to facilitate important breakthroughs for grid of the future. Also, This week House appropriators took the first step in the FY20 appropriations cycle and approved a Department of Energy spending bill that builds upon efforts in FY18 and FY19 to provide targeted investments in programs that will spur U.S. innovation in clean and reliable energy. Read More
May 17, 2019 – Testifying On Innovative Climate Solutions
ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell testified at a May 15 House Ways and Means hearing about how next-generation clean energy technologies can mitigate climate change and give the U.S. a leading edge in a reliable, affordable and clean global power grid. Also, A Senate Energy and Natural Resources hearing highlighted a bipartisan bill to ramp up the Department of Energy’s carbon capture and storage work, as well as those projects that are leading the private sector efforts so far. Read More
May 13, 2019 – Digging Deep For Clean Energy
ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell will testify at a May 15 House Ways and Means hearing about how innovation can mitigate climate change and give the U.S. a leading edge in a reliable, affordable and clean global power grid. Also, ClearPath innovation director Spencer Nelson digs deep into how regulatory reform can unlock massive new emission-free geothermal development across the U.S. Read More
May 3, 2019 – Senate Energy Highlights Bipartisan NELA
A Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing highlighted the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act as a way to raise the U.S. profile in a global advanced nuclear race led by China and Russia. The IRS released a long-awaited solicitation for public comment on how to implement a critical carbon capture tax incentive, while carbon capture was among a hodgepodge of technological tools showcased at a House climate select committee hearing. Read More
April 26, 2019 – Senate Energy Takes Next Step On NELA
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) schedules a hearing featuring the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act, the next step towards likely action by the committee on the bipartisan and comprehensive blueprint for bolstering next-generation nuclear power. ClearPath Policy Analyst Faith Martinez-Smith explains how the tide may be turning for the better on energy storage, while we break down what’s happening in carbon utilization and natural gas. Read More
April 12, 2019 – What’s on the Congressional Clean Energy Menu?
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved the bipartisan USE IT Act, which would support carbon capture technologies through public-private partnerships, carbon dioxide pipeline and other infrastructure improvements and R&D. A new bipartisan bill from Senate Energy panel leaders aims to ramp up the Department of Energy’s carbon capture and storage work. Read More
April 5, 2019 – Why DOE’s Budget Request Is Exciting For Energy Storage
In a new blog, ClearPath’s lead storage analyst Faith Smith dove into a Department of Energy FY20 budget proposal that could make serious headway toward efforts to develop long-duration grid-scale energy storage options. At a DOE budget hearing, Under Secretary for Energy Mark Menezes agreed with House Energy and Water Appropriations ranking member Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) that similar “moonshot” efforts outlined for storage in the budget could also happen for advanced nuclear and carbon capture. Read More
March 29, 2019 – Amplified Energy Innovation Debate
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Lisa Murkowski and Sen. Cory Booker introduced the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act, a bipartisan blueprint backed by 13 additional original cosponsors and a broad range of advanced nuclear advocates. In his latest whiteboard video, Rich Powell explains NELA and why it should be closely tracked, while Senate Republicans detail more efforts to spur energy innovation. Read More
March 22, 2019 – The Underrated Energy Storage Technology
In a new Fox News op-ed, ClearPath Founder Jay Faison lays into the Green New Deal as a technological and political pipe dream, while calling for an innovation-focused solution to climate change. ClearPath adds a trio of former senior Department of Energy and White House Council on Environmental Quality officials to its advisory board, and an underappreciated and successful energy storage technology is highlighted. Read More
March 15, 2019 – Could the Clean Air Act Impede Carbon Capture?
ClearPath Program Director Justin Ong and Policy Analyst Faith Smith in a new blog ponder an increasingly-pertinent question: Could a little-understood EPA regulation under the Clean Air Act unintentionally be a major impediment to building carbon capture projects at scale? Meanwhile, new bipartisan House carbon capture and advanced nuclear bills are introduced. Read More
March 8, 2019 – Probing Power Sector Role In Climate Change
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee once again approved the nomination of Rita Baranwal to head the Department of Energy’s nuclear office, while also holding its first hearing in several years exclusively focused on the power sector’s role in climate change. A joint ClearPath/DOE event also highlighted a broad range of nuclear industry jobs. Read More
March 1, 2019 – What Fracking Teaches Us About Clean Energy
ClearPath Program Director Justin Ong and Production Director Mitch Kersey joined forces with Ron Munson at Cogentiv Solutions to explain the success story of hydraulic fracturing and how it is a model for future public-private partnerships in the clean energy space. Meanwhile, a Senate EPW hearing highlights the crucial need for carbon capture amid this shale gas boom and DOE launches a new advanced nuclear Versatile Test Reactor effort. Read More
February 15, 2019 – Chorus Building For Sensible Climate Strategy
There is unmistakably a growing chorus of congressional Republican leaders calling for technological innovation to be the core of a pragmatic climate strategy. Meanwhile, a new white paper from ClearPath and other experts explains just why U.S. and global climate and clean power goals won’t be achievable without existing and next-generation nuclear generation. Read More
February 8, 2019 – ClearPath Testifies on Pragmatic Climate Plan
ClearPath Founder Jay Faison and Executive Director Rich Powell, testifying respectively before two key congressional panels this week, stressed bipartisan and sensible solutions to climate change through the expansion of U.S. clean energy technologies and innovation. Read More
February 1, 2019 – More to Come on Advanced Nuclear
At an advanced nuclear discussion co-hosted by ClearPath and the Department of Energy, a senior DOE official and lawmakers touted that more federal action is in the works to spur the next-generation of nuclear power technologies. DOE is also highlighting action to come on developing and commercializing carbon capture technologies. Read More
January 25, 2019 – Here’s How Congress Can Boost Energy Storage
Congress should expand an existing investment tax credit and give broad authorization to direct the DOE to set and meet moonshot R&D goals, among other policy changes to boost energy storage. Long-term storage solutions will be essential as EIA and others project U.S. renewable power to continue to rise. Read More
January 18, 2019 – Restarting the Climate Conversation With Innovation
ClearPath Founder Jay Faison explains how any real progress on climate change, clean energy and innovation especially in divided government will depend on a politically realistic and technologically inclusive agenda built on pushing zero-carbon and low-carbon technologies around the world. DOE launches a new lithium ion recycling effort and major advanced nuclear legislation is signed into law. Read More
January 11, 2019 – Building On Advanced Nuclear Successes
There are opportunities to build on one of the most successful Congresses for advanced nuclear, including a comprehensive bipartisan Senate blueprint for next-generation reactors and streamlining NRC licensing and siting. Right on cue, DOE announced it is moving ahead with a project to demonstrate U.S.-owned technology that could produce the fuel needed for many advanced reactors. Read More
January 4, 2019 – A Clean Energy Strategy For Divided Government
We detail an apolitical strategy to tackling climate change and clean energy, built around pushing advanced technologies around the world and avoiding impractical moves towards an all-renewable power strategy in the U.S. Find out what Congress and the Trump administration should do next. Read More
December 21, 2018 – A Flurry of Advanced Nuclear Action
Lawmakers added to one of the most productive Congresses for advanced nuclear power by approving the bipartisan Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act to develop a framework to quicken licensing. And DOE announced a Memorandum of Understanding to help further bolster construction of NuScale Power’s small modular reactor at Idaho National Lab. Read More
December 14, 2018 – Advanced Nuclear Fuels, Carbon Capture Gain Ground
House lawmakers approved a bipartisan bill (H.R. 6140) from Reps. Bill Flores and Jerry McNerney to direct the Department of Energy to establish a program supporting availability of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HA-LEU). 2018 also marked a growth in supportive policies and projects for carbon capture technologies, according to a new report by the Global CCS Institute. Read More
December 7, 2018 – Xcel Blazes Clean Energy Path
Xcel unveiled a plan to reduce carbon emissions 80 percent by 2030 and be totally carbon-free by 2050, the most ambitious plan yet from a major U.S. investor-owned utility. In their latest whiteboard video, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell and Production Director Mitch Kersey detail what’s needed in an ambitious effort to go beyond lithium ion batteries and ensure U.S. and global investment in energy storage innovation. Read More
November 30, 2018 – A Technology-Neutral Energy Tax Code
Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.) introduced a new bill that would aim to incentivize a greater mix of next-generation energy technologies in the tax code by being technology-neutral, meaning new technologies and advanced retrofits may access the credit. A Senate Energy and Natural Resources subcommittee hearing spotlights the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act, while the full panel approved Rita Baranwal’s nomination to head the Department of Energy’s nuclear office. Read More
November 16, 2018 – Where Next For Advanced Nuclear?
A Nov. 13 briefing co-hosted by ClearPath and others featured experts breaking down how Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Lisa Murkowski’s bipartisan Nuclear Energy Leadership Act can boost U.S. advanced nuclear, while detailing a host of remaining challenges. Meanwhile, Chairman Murkowski signaled a desire to act quickly on Rita Baranwal’s nomination to head the Department of Energy’s nuclear office. Read More
November 9, 2018 – Potential For Clean Energy Progress Next Congress
GOP clean energy leaders – including those endorsed by ClearPath Action Fund – will have a golden opportunity to help shape the push for aggressive and pragmatic deals in the next Congress. NET Power and Occidental Petroleum Corporation announced an investment agreement that would help advance a low-cost natural gas power system that can capture all carbon dioxide. Read More
November 2, 2018 – Diving Deep Into Energy Storage
Storing energy on various time scales ranging from fractions of a second to hours or even days is paramount as the U.S. and world move toward a lower carbon intensity. But a number of pieces are still missing for that to happen. Meanwhile, Energy Secretary Perry heads to Poland to ink a LNG export deal, carbon emissions U.S. power drop and small hydro development is on the rise. Read More
October 26, 2018 – Significant Hydropower Reform Becomes Law
Significant hydropower reform became law upon the signing of the Water Resources Development Act. In a new op-ed, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell and Jon Anderson, director of the The Western Way, note that while Colorado remains a leader in traditional energy production, what is striking is the leadership role the state plays in emerging advanced energy solutions. Read More
October 19, 2018 – Cooperating on a Clean Energy Future
More federal government and private sector R&D investment is needed to convert carbon emissions into concrete and other products, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine argued in a new report funded by the Department of Energy and Shell. A new op-ed spells out the reality that the energy industry and environmental activists must band together to effectively decarbonize our economy through advanced nuclear, carbon capture and other clean energy technologies. Read More
October 12, 2018 – Congress Approves Significant Hydropower Reform
Congress approved significant hydropower reform in a bicameral Water Resources Development Act deal. Thirteen House lawmakers ask the Department of Energy to “launch a new crosscutting research and development (R&D) initiative aimed at aggressively driving down costs and improving the performance of a diverse set of grid-scale storage technologies.” Read More
October 5, 2018 – Reforming A Critical Global Clean Energy Effort
ClearPath’s innovation chief Spencer Nelson is arguing that a new vision is needed for a clean energy R&D collaboration by 22 countries and the European Commission. The White House nominated Rita Baranwal to head the Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy, a move that should bode well for the Trump administration’s broader effort to review and revitalize the U.S. nuclear power sector. Read More
September 28, 2018 – An Eventful National Clean Energy Week
An action-packed 2nd annual National Clean Energy Week included major action to advance next-generation U.S. nuclear technologies. That includes House passage of the bipartisan NUKE Act, President Trump’s signing of the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act and another milestone in NuScale Power’s small modular reactor effort. Read More
September 21, 2018 – Making Carbon a Clean Commodity
ClearPath’s carbon capture captain Justin Ong explains how lofty economic projections tied to the use of carbon capture for enhanced oil recovery aren’t too good to be true, especially if you consider the rich history EOR has enjoyed in Texas. Meanwhile, DOE takes additional steps to shore up energy storage R&D, critical clean energy direction becomes law and Big U.S. Oil joins a global climate effort. Read More
September 14, 2018 – Enormous Clean Energy Week on Capitol Hill
Congress approved a bicameral FY19 spending bill providing critical programmatic direction and targeted funding for advanced nuclear, carbon capture, storage and other advanced clean energy technologies. House lawmakers Thursday approved the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act and included significant hydropower reform in a bicameral water infrastructure deal. Read More
September 7, 2018 – Congress Targets Advanced Nuclear, Natural Gas
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Lisa Murkowski and Sen. Cory Booker led introduction of the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act (NELA), a comprehensive blueprint for U.S. next-generation nuclear power. House lawmakers approved a bill (H.R. 4606) from Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Ohio) to expedite liquefied natural gas exports. MIT released new studies underscoring how nuclear power and other clean energy sources are needed to address climate goals and ensure a reliable power mix. Read More
August 31, 2018 – Protecting Nuclear Jobs for Veterans
Labor Day weekend is a timely reminder that the commercial nuclear sector isn’t just a source of carbon-free, reliable power. It’s also a pipeline for high-paying jobs for military veterans. ClearPath Founder Jay Faison chronicled the experience of some military vets working at Southern Company’s Vogtle project. But overall we aren’t harnessing enough of the nuclear talent we pay top dollar for in the Navy because they have nowhere to go. Read More
August 24, 2018 – Turning the Rest of the Corner in 2018
ClearPath Founder Jay Faison and Executive Director Rich Powell began 2018 with their short list for what needs to happen this year to help the U.S. begin to turn the corner on keeping pace with China and others in the global development and deployment of clean energy technologies. So how’s it going so far? Pretty well. Read More
August 17, 2018 – Progress for Advanced Military Nuclear Reactors, Exports
President Trump signed the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, including bipartisan language led by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) to require the secretary of energy to report on the feasibility of siting, constructing and operating “micro reactors” at critical Defense Department or Energy Department national security facilities. It also allows approvals of exports of non-sensitive nuclear technologies to be delegated to officials more junior than the secretary of energy, quickening such approvals. Read More
August 10, 2018 – Breaking Down Carbon Capture’s Benefits
In his latest digital whiteboard video, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell (with the visual assistance of Production Director Mitch Kersey) explains that the carbon emitted from far more power – up to 87 gigawatts from coal and natural gas by 2040 – could be captured and used for enhanced oil recovery if the U.S. aggressively pursues research, development and demonstration of breakthrough technologies that can dramatically lessen the cost. And – as Rich details from a recent study from ClearPath, the Carbon Utilization Research Council and key unions – the economic benefits to the nation could be huge. Read More
August 3, 2018 – Congress Advances Military Micro Reactor Review
The Senate approved bipartisan language in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act led by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) to require the secretary of energy to report on the feasibility of siting, constructing and operating “micro reactors” at critical Defense Department or Energy Department national security facilities. The broader bill heads to President Trump for his signature. Read More
July 27, 2018 – Studies Show Promise, Benefits of Carbon Capture
ClearPath, Carbon Utilization Research Council and Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. released two studies underscoring the promise and benefits of aggressively developing and commercializing U.S.-based carbon capture, storage and utilization technologies. House lawmakers included bipartisan language in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act led by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) to require the secretary of energy to report on the feasibility of siting, constructing and operating “micro reactors” at critical Defense Department or Energy Department national security facilities. Read More
July 20, 2018 – Carbon Capture Studies Previewed
At a House Science hearing, Carbon Utilization Research Council Executive Director Shannon Angielski previewed two upcoming studies from CURC, ClearPath and EPRI underscoring the promise and benefits of aggressively developing and commercializing U.S.-based carbon capture technologies. The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved a bill from Ohio GOP Rep. Bill Johnson (H.R. 6351) to assess barriers on the U.S. civilian nuclear industry and make recommendations on improving the competitiveness of the U.S. civilian nuclear industry in global markets. Read More
July 13, 2018 – House Energy Advances Next-Gen Nuclear Plans
The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved two bills that would spur deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. The new membership of the Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy Advisory Committee – including ClearPath Founder Jay Faison – held its inaugural meeting. Read More
June 29, 2018 – Congress Forwards Clean Energy Budget
The Senate approved a FY19 energy spending bill with critical eagle-eyed investments in carbon capture, advanced nuclear and energy storage. Read More
June 22, 2018 – What’s Next for Global Clean Energy?
The 9th annual Clean Energy Ministerial, a multilateral meeting in Copenhagen of high-level energy officials spanning the globe, launched two significant efforts to better recognize carbon capture and advanced nuclear as clean energy tools. ClearPath’s policy triumvirate – Jeremy Harrell, Spencer Nelson and Justin Ong – were there and in a blog map out why the efforts led by the U.S., Canada, Japan and others shouldn’t be overlooked – but also why more dialogue and action are needed. Read More
June 15, 2018 – The Ruralization of U.S. Nuclear
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Lisa Murkowski and ClearPath Founder Jay Faison teamed up for an op-ed in CNN on how advanced microreactors and other next-generation nuclear could be a godsend for Alaska communities who spend up to half of their annual income on energy and other rural and remote communities stretching from the Arctic tundra to Puerto Rico who are desperate for clean, cheap, safe and reliable power options. Jay also released a new blog highlighting some initial thoughts on what we at ClearPath call NuclearVision. Read More
June 8, 2018 – Jay Faison Joins DOE Nuclear Advisors
ClearPath Founder Jay Faison was named to the Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy Advisory Committee, which offers advice and recommendations from a range of experts to the assistant secretary for nuclear energy. Jay has a new blog out highlighting some initial thoughts on what we at ClearPath call NuclearVision. Read More
June 1, 2018 – Landmark NET Power Project Achieves Major Milestone
NET Power announced it has successfully achieved “first fire” of its landmark demonstration plant in La Porte, TX, that is intended to capture all of the carbon from new power plants that can use both coal and natural gas. ClearPath joined Battelle, the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the University of California in sponsoring a gathering of Department of Energy, national lab and other leaders from around the country to discuss paths forward for energy innovation at the first National Labs Day to be hosted in Alaska. Read More
May 25, 2018 – Senate appropriators push strong clean energy plan
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a FY19 spending bill coupling critical eagle-eyed investments in carbon capture, advanced nuclear and energy storage with record funding for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science. A new global nuclear power initiative co-led by the U.S. was launched at the 9th annual Clean Energy Ministerial in Copenhagen. A big week for carbon capture, which was also recognized at the clean energy summit and bolstered in a bipartisan bill approved by the Senate EPW Committee. Read More
May 18, 2018 – House appropriators spur clean energy direction
The House Appropriations Committee approved a sweeping set of resources and program direction to the Department of Energy that would spur advanced nuclear, carbon capture, energy storage and other clean energy technologies. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved a bill led by Rep. Rich Hudson (R-N.C.) that would expedite federal reviews of small conduit (or energy-recovery) hydropower projects. Read More
May 11, 2018 – Energy innovation isn’t just dollars and cents
House appropriators teed up a vote a FY19 Energy and Water spending bill which boosts nuclear research and science funding and also backs Department of Energy advanced energy loan guarantees and the department’s highly successful ARPA-E program. But while steady and sufficient funding is essential for all advanced energy research, clean energy innovation is also more than just dollars and cents. These bills, when done right, also include significant policy reform – providing important direction to DOE to make sure that dollars are well spent on key clean energy outcomes. Read More
May 4, 2018 – Milestone reached in landmark advanced nuclear review
NuScale Power became the first company to complete the first round of a Nuclear Regulatory Commission advanced reactor design certification review. Meanwhile, the Department of Energy announced $30 million for building new technologies that allow energy storage on the power grid for much longer – from 10 to roughly 100 hours. This type of storage would be essential for increasing reliability and scalability for both intermittent renewable and constant-running nuclear power. Read More
April 27, 2018 – Reps. Knight, Foster Intro Energy Storage Goals
Reps. Steve Knight (R-Calif.) and Bill Foster (D-Ill.) have led the introduction of a bipartisan bill (H.R. 5610) that would establish a set of concrete innovation goals in the coming years for energy storage technologies. The Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act is modeled after similar “moonshot” initiatives and a bill introduced by Sens. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). Meanwhile, Energy Secretary Rick Perry announced 13 projects that will receive about $60 million to support cost-shared research and development in advanced nuclear technologies. Read More
April 20, 2018 – Perry Plugs U.S. Clean Energy Tech in India
Energy Secretary Rick Perry and other senior Department of Energy officials trekked to India to sell U.S.-led clean energy technologies, including carbon capture and advanced nuclear, rather than buying from China and Russia. Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) introduced the Promoting Hydropower Development & Jobs Act (S. 2655), which would streamline environmental reviews for qualifying non-powered dam projects. The bill is a companion to one the House approved in December from Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.). Read More
April 13, 2018 – ICYMI: Congress Approved Nuclear Breakthrough
It’s understandable to lose track of every nook and cranny in the massive budget deal Congress recently approved, including an important revision and extension of a key carbon capture incentive (more on that HERE). But embedded in that deal was also the most impactful congressional action to propel the future of nuclear energy in more than a decade. ClearPath’s in-house nuclear guru Spencer Nelson breaks down the significance of this bipartisan fix to the 45J nuclear production tax credit and explains why this alone is likely insufficient to spur those advanced technologies. And in advance of potential committee action, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing on the bipartisan and commonsense USE IT Act (S. 2602), which would support carbon capture technologies through public-private partnerships, CO2 pipeline and other infrastructure improvements and R&D. Read More
April 6, 2018 – Big Coalition Pushes Energy Innovation Funding, Goals
ClearPath Action joined a broad coalition of two dozen organizations in pressing congressional appropriators not to shortchange energy innovation funding in FY19. Congress should also help the Department of Energy set ambitious “moonshot” clean energy technology development goals to help prioritize efforts to keep up with China, which recently surpassed the U.S. in late-stage R&D and is continuing to accelerate their effort. Among those organization signing the letter include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Nuclear Energy Institute, Third Way, BPC Action, Natural Resources Defense Council, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, American Council for Capital Formation, Carbon Utilization Research Council and Cloud Peak Energy. Read More
March 23, 2018 – Omnibus Deal Boosts Clean, Reliable Energy
Congress approved an FY18 omnibus spending bill that boosts clean and reliable energy funding across the board. Senate Environment and Public Works Chairman John Barrasso and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse introduced the bipartisan Utilizing Significant Emissions with Innovative Technologies (USE IT) Act, which directs EPA to support efforts that reduce and utilize carbon emissions and direct air capture research and aims to improve permitting and deployment of carbon capture, utilization and sequestration facilities and the pipelines that would carry the CO2 to be used for enhanced oil recovery, storage, to be developed into products and for other purposes. Read More
March 16, 2018 – Higgins Introduces Advanced Nuclear Goals Bill
Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.) introduced H.R. 5260, which would set a goal by 2028 for demonstrating at least four new commercially-competitive advanced reactor designs. The bill mirrors the Advanced Nuclear Energy Technologies Act (S. 1457) from Sens. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) that was approved in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Read More
March 9, 2018 – Why We Need “Moonshot” Clean Energy Goals
In his latest video, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell explains why “moonshot” clean energy technology goals would allow the U.S. to catch up with China in the clean energy tech race just as President John F. Kennedy’s original “moonshot” goal led to the U.S. catching up to and surpassing Russia in the space race. And the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved a bill that would do exactly that, along with a bipartisan plan providing longer term certainty for energy innovation hubs and modernizing the national laboratory system. Read More
February 23, 2018 – A Looming Crisis in Fueling Advanced Reactors
Lawmakers, policymakers and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission must take prompt steps to ensure adequate supply of high-assay low-enriched uranium or risk continued progress in deploying the next generation of U.S. nuclear power, according to a new white paper sponsored by ClearPath and the U.S. Nuclear Infrastructure Council. ClearPath also joined the Carbon Capture Coalition – a collection of oil and coal companies, clean energy advocates and others pursuing development and commercialization of technologies that can capture, store and use carbon emissions from coal and gas facilities. Read More
February 9, 2018 – Congress Grants Major Carbon Capture, Advanced Nuclear Win
Congress delivered a game-changing clean energy victory by fixing two critical carbon capture and advanced nuclear tax incentives as part of a broader budget deal. And ClearPath Founder Jay Faison explains that carbon capture is not just crucial to the future of coal but also a valuable insurance policy for our booming natural gas industry. Read More
February 2, 2018 – Bipartisan House Push For Carbon Capture Incentive
A bipartisan coalition of 44 House lawmakers pushed for forthcoming tax extenders legislation to include Rep. Mike Conaway’s bill to extend and expand the Section 45Q tax incentive for projects (such as NetPower) that capture and store carbon from fossil fuel power plants and other facilities. Read More
January 26, 2018 – Defining The Value of Grid Resiliency
At a Senate energy hearing, the Department of Energy’s top electricity official touted the need for a “detailed analysis” of North American power grid resiliency and stressed the value of having on-site fuel such as nuclear in the wake of severe winter weather. Read More
January 19, 2018 – Turning The Corner To U.S. Clean Energy Dominance
2018 is the year we can turn the corner toward U.S. clean energy dominance. And we have to. ClearPath Founder Jay Faison and Executive Director Rich Powell lay out some of the success stories of 2017 but also the must haves for 2018 if the U.S. is to start gaining even modest ground with China in the global clean energy race. Read More
January 12, 2018 – DOE Needs “Moonshot” Energy Tech Goals
ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell touted the need for “moonshot” clean energy technology goals and private-sector-style management and cooperation, during a Jan. 9 House Energy Subcommittee hearing on modernizing the Department of Energy. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission also approved a novel safety approach included in NuScale Power’s next-generation nuclear reactor design. Read More
January 5, 2018 – A Vision For U.S. Clean Energy Dominance
It’s January 2040 and America is leading the world in clean energy technology. So how do we get there? ClearPath Founder Jay Faison lays out a blueprint for how the U.S. can achieve that clean energy dominance even as the U.S. is swiftly falling behind China especially in commercializing and exporting advanced technologies. Read More
December 22, 2017 – U.S. Nuclear Scores Big Win
The Georgia Public Service Commission voted unanimously to move forward with the expansion of Plant Vogtle, which would be the first U.S. nuclear reactors built and put into operation in decades. A Senate tax extenders strategy includes bipartisan advanced nuclear production and carbon capture technology incentives. Read More
December 15, 2017 – House Backs GOP Bills Expediting Hydropower
House lawmakers approved two more Republican bills to expedite clean U.S. hydropower, while a broad quartet of senators ask leaders to include their carbon capture incentive bill in a tax extenders package. Read More
December 8, 2017 – Future of Clean Energy: Grid-Scale Storage
The future of clean energy will depend on scaling up technologies that can store massive amounts of both constant-running nuclear and intermittent renewable power. In his latest video, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell tours various ideas to develop this grid-scale storage, from the typical ion battery to “rock trains” and “fire bricks.” Read More
November 17, 2017 – Nuclear’s Bright (And Non-Negotiable) Future
ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell argued in the Wall Street Journal that the future of U.S. nuclear power is not only bright— it’s non-negotiable. A robust civilian nuclear sector is mandatory for the U.S. to remain a major geopolitical, economic, military and environmental leader, Rich wrote. At a Nov. 15 event hosted by Roll Call, Rich also touted the Energy Department’s kickstarting of a grid resiliency review at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as a potential opportunity to preserve the existing nuclear fleet, embolden advanced reactor efforts and lower total emissions grid-wide while not disrupting wholesale energy markets that don’t properly price grid reliability. Read More
November 10, 2017 – China Is “Cleaning Our Clock” in Clean Energy Innovation
China is “cleaning our clock” in clean energy innovation, Rep. Ryan Costello said at a Nov. 6 event hosted by ClearPath. A panel of experts moderated by Axios energy reporter Amy Harder further tackled whether China is already winning the clean energy race against the U.S. and, if so, what can be done here to catch up. Read More
November 3, 2017 – The Better Battery
ClearPath Founder Jay Faison explains in his latest blog how a better battery – one that is big enough to store power from day to night and cheap enough to make a profit – could be a big missing piece in making renewable power more reliable. Read More
October 27, 2017 – How ARPA-E Can Modernize Nuclear Power
A widely popular and successful federal advanced energy agency now has its sights set on a new potential breakthrough: next-generation nuclear technologies. In his latest video, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell explains how the Energy Department’s ARPA-E will seek to model crucial enabling technologies for advanced nuclear such as advanced manufacturing, automation and robotics. ClearPath Founder Jay Faison joined the American Energy Innovation Council, comprised of leading U.S. business and innovation executives such as Norm Augustine, Tom Fanning and Bill Gates. Read More
October 20, 2017 – China Building U.S.-Pioneered High-Temp Reactors
At the end of this year, China will begin commercializing the first two high-temperature, gas-cooled nuclear reactors in more than three decades. The U.S. first developed the idea 70 years ago but have ceded leadership to China, which recently signed an MOU with Saudi Arabia. A new American Council for Capital Formation analysis explains how a streamlined tax code could benefit clean energy technologies. Read More
October 13, 2017 – Perry: U.S. Losing Nuclear Race
Energy Secretary Rick Perry told the House Energy Subcommittee that the U.S. needs to support its “disregarded” nuclear sector “because we’ve been losing that race” to China, Russia and others in providing clean, reliable power and safeguarding national security in weapons non-proliferation talks. China and Russia are commandeering advanced nuclear technology the U.S. invented but never commercialized here, while the Nuclear Innovation Alliance has recommendations on how to support development and commercialization of small modular reactors by U.S. companies. Read More
October 6, 2017 – The Art of Grid Resiliency
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has opened up a potentially speedy formal rulemaking on the Energy Department’s proposal to improve grid resiliency, an enormously complicated endeavor must be done right and with careful consideration. Senate confirms Bruce Walker to be assistant energy secretary for electricity delivery and energy reliability. Read More
September 29, 2017 – Poll Shows Clean Energy Moves Key Voters; DOE Proposes Grid Resiliency Strategy
ClearPath Action poll shows GOP and independent voters embrace action on clean energy and Republican candidates earn big swing by showing support. Energy Department grid resiliency strategy could boost nuclear. Secretary Perry and Reps. Ryan Costello and Cathy McMorris Rodgers plug nuclear, hydropower, innovation during National Clean Energy Week. Read More
September 22, 2017 – India Serious About Exploring Carbon Capture; Get Ready for National Clean Energy Week
ClearPath Founder Jay Faison met India Secretary of Coal Susheel Kumar and left impressed with Kumar personally and the Indian government’s exploration of carbon capture technologies. Getting ready for a packed National Clean Energy Week, led by Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions and including ClearPath, Nuclear Energy Institute, National Hydropower Association and others. Read More
September 15, 2017 – Conaway Intros Carbon Capture Bill, What’s At Stake For Energy Innovation
Rep. Mike Conaway introduced a bipartisan effort (H.R. 3761) to extend and expand the Section 45Q tax incentive for projects that capture and store carbon from power plants and other facilities. ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell and former Oak Ridge National Lab Director Thom Mason lay out how clean energy innovation has been essential for Tennessee and the rest of the nation, while cautioning budget cuts could derail progress. Read More
September 1, 2017 – Vogtle Decision Good Sign For Nuclear, NET Power Making Progress, ClearPath Joins National Clean Energy Week
The decision by Southern Company to continue conditional expansion of Plant Vogtle is an important step towards broader advancement of U.S. nuclear power. NET Power’s potentially landmark carbon-capture effort is making sound progress towards beginning active demonstration. ClearPath joined leading clean energy organizations to highlight and participate in National Clean Energy Week. Read More
August 25, 2017 – DOE Study Touts Reliable Grid During Market Change, Hydro’s Potential Is Bigger Than One Eclypse
The Energy Department’s power grid study is a much-needed, pragmatic look at U.S. electricity reliability and resilience. Hydropower and natural gas stepped up to provide the needed grid reliability for California during the solar eclipse. Read More
August 18, 2017 – Energy Innovation Heating Up, Perry Visits PNNL, Hydro in Wash State
The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy announced plans for a new R&D program seeking innovative designs of advanced nuclear power plants. Energy Secretary Rick Perry trekked to Washington State and Oregon, including visits to the Pacific Northwest National Lab and the McNary Dam hydropower project alongside Reps. Greg Walden and Dan Newhouse. Read More
August 11, 2017 – What should policymakers learn from V.C. Summer?
ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell and resident nuclear expert Spencer Nelson detail lessons learned for policymakers following the suspension of the V.C. Summer nuclear plant under construction in South Carolina. Read More
August 4, 2017 – V.C. Summer Isn’t Death Knell for Nuclear
The suspension of construction in South Carolina of two of the first new U.S. nuclear reactors in more than three decades isn’t the death knell for nuclear. But ClearPath Founder Jay Faison and NuScale Power CEO John Hopkins argue that it is that much more vital for small modular reactors and other advanced nuclear to progress. Read More
July 21, 2017 – Lawmakers Give Big Vote For Small Hydro; Senate Appropriators Stress Energy Innovation
House lawmakers approved a bill from Reps. Richard Hudson and Diana DeGette that would expedite federal reviews of conduit (or energy-recovery) projects. Senate appropriators include language in an Energy Department spending bill touting advanced nuclear technologies and grid-scale storage. Read More
July 14, 2017 – The Carbon Capture Game Changer
In his latest digital whiteboard video, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell explains how the NET Power carbon capture demonstration project may be a true clean energy game changer. Sens. Heitkamp, Capito, Barrasso and Whitehouse lead bipartisan bill supporting the 45Q carbon capture tax incentive. Read More
June 30, 2017 – Flake Champions Advanced Nuclear, Storage Goals; Administration’s Nuclear Review Vital Amid Crisis
Sen. Jeff Flake is leading two bipartisan efforts that hit at a major lapse in real and ambitious goals for applied energy innovation research. An announced Trump administration review of nuclear energy policy may be the catalyst for a wholesale effort to stabilize and modernize the country’s most reliable form of emission-free power. Read More
June 23, 2017 – Lawmakers Defend Clean Energy Innovation Funding
Lawmakers in both parties and a broad coalition of interested parties – including ClearPath, Third Way, the Nuclear Energy Institute, Bipartisan Policy Center, Carbon Utilization Research Council and the American Council on Capital Formation – pressed for congressional appropriators to protect funding for key federal clean energy R&D and other innovation programs. House lawmakers gave swift approval to a bipartisan bill from Reps. Tom Rice and Earl Blumenauer modifying the 45(j) production tax credit for new nuclear reactors. Read More
June 16, 2017 – Small Hydro, Big Opportunity
The future of U.S. hydropower no longer looks like the Hoover Dam – but more like your bathroom sink. ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell and resident hydro expert Justin Ong break down challenges and opportunities for small conduit hydro. ClearPath was a proud sponsor of the Congressional Baseball Game, which raised more than $1 million for charity. Read More
June 9, 2017 – House Lawmakers Go Big to Help Small Hydro
Reps. Richard Hudson and Diana DeGette introduced legislation that would cut in half federal reviews of one of the most promising and untapped forms of hydropower: small conduit (or energy-recovery) projects. Senate energy panel forwards major FERC, DOE nominees. Read More
June 2, 2017 – Paris Withdrawal May Weaken U.S.-Led Clean Energy
The decision to withdraw the U.S. from participation in the Paris climate agreement may further weaken American clean energy leadership. Read More
May 26, 2017 – Senate Energy Vets DOE, FERC Noms
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Lisa Murkowski cited support for key FERC nominees Neil Chatterjee and Robert Powelson and Dan Brouillette to be deputy energy secretary. White House nominates three Republicans for seats on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Reps. Carlos Curbelo and Marc Veasey circulate Dear Colleague letter for their carbon capture private activity bonds bill. Read More
May 19, 2017 – So What Exactly Is Conservative Clean Energy?
Executive Director Rich Powell and Founder Jay Faison offer up the top 10 reasons why ClearPath advocates for conservative clean energy. Jay also joined Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Lisa Murkowski on a panel moderated by POLITICO’s Nick Juliano to discuss policies boosting reliable and clean energy this Congress and administration. Read More
May 12, 2017 – Why FERC Matters for Nuclear
President Trump nominated two Republicans – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s top energy aide Neil Chatterjee and Pennsylvania utility regulator (and National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners President) Robert Powelson to create a GOP-led quorum on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Reps. Dan Newhouse and Chris Collins lead 17 House GOP in pushing for small modular nuclear reactor funding. Read More
May 5, 2017 – Getting Federal Energy Innovation Back on Track
ClearPath’s Jay Faison and Rich Powell explain how the Energy Department can get back to consistently doing big, big things – such as sparking the shale gas revolution, commercial nuclear, touchscreens and the human genome project – via more public-private partnerships and goals for our national labs. The House Energy and Commerce Committee takes up major hydropower bills, including from Rep. Richard Hudson making long-overdue reforms to permitting of small conduit hydropower projects. Read More