Rundown Archives
Below are the archives of our Rundown newsletter
September 15, 2023 – Petra Nova coal plant with CCUS is back!
The Petra Nova project in Houston is back online after a three-year pause. This is the only U.S. power plant project to capture carbon dioxide at scale. Petra Nova is the third utility-scale CCS power plant project operating in the world — one in Canada and another in China. Petra Nova can capture up to 5,000 tons of CO₂ each day from the Texas coal plant.
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September 8, 2023 – ClearPath expands policy team
Jake Kincer will work on ClearPath’s nuclear energy portfolio as a Program Manager. In this role, Jake will focus on policies that support the commercialization of the next generation of nuclear energy technologies. Previously, he was a Senior Policy Analyst at the Energy for Growth Hub, where he led the Hub’s project on global markets for advanced nuclear technology.
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September 1, 2023 – Huge Clean Energy Projects Coming to 5 States
Our program manager Savita Bowman appeared on “The Carbon Copy” podcast with Stephen Lacey. The two talked about the future outlook of carbon removal deployments. Stephen and Savita dove into recent announcements by the DOE on the first round of DAC Hubs winners and the Carbon Negative Shot Pilot projects, draft language regarding carbon removal solutions issued by the UNFCCC, and the complex web of carbon markets, the current policy momentum within the U.S., and notable projects making tangible progress. Listen to the 25-minute podcast here.
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August 18, 2023 – ClearPath and Congressional Staff in Cleveland – First DAC Hubs in the U.S.
Last week, ClearPath’s Clean Energy Innovation Academy (CEIA) brought a delegation of seven Congressional Staff to Cleveland, Ohio. CEIA is an ongoing educational series with briefings focused on conservative clean energy, industrial technology, and policy. In Cleveland, the delegation visited Cleveland-Cliffs’ Cleveland Works steel facility to educate Congressional professional staff on how U.S. companies are lowering emissions in the industrial sector. ClearPath’s Government Affairs Associate Mallory Shaevsky details the trip in her latest blog.
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August 4, 2023 – First U.S. reactor in three decades
In a huge milestone for nuclear energy, this week, Georgia Power announced that Vogtle Unit 3 has entered commercial operation, officially serving reliable, emissions-free energy to the State of Georgia. The unit can power 500,000 homes and businesses with its full output of 1,100 megawatts of electricity. Once all four units are online, the Plant Vogtle site will be the largest generator of clean energy in the nation. The initial operating license for the unit is 40 years long, but could be extended to operate into the 2100s. Last week, Vogtle Unit 4 received the green light from the NRC to load fuel and begin its startup sequence, and is expected to be commercially operational by early 2024.
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July 28, 2023 – “Energy Communities,” Tax Incentives, and Deployment
Thousands of towns and communities across the country have been providing the power and fuel needed to run America for decades. While many of these “Energy Communities” are still booming, others have experienced plant closures or waning extraction efforts. Congress has passed new financial incentives to encourage investments in these areas, but now we need to fix permitting to allow the developers to build. Check out our new blog from Policy Advisor Matt Mailloux and Senior Research Associate Casey Kelly.
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July 21, 2023 – Clean Industrial Summit
Industrial emissions are set to be the top source of emissions by 2030, surpassing the electric power and transportation sectors. Globally, industrial emissions make up 40 percent of total emissions, yet it’s hardly talked about here in our nation’s capital. This week ClearPath and Clean Air Task Force hosted a summit to talk about solutions featuring U.S. Sens. Capito (R-WV), Coons (D-DE), and Tillis (R-NC); DOE Under Secretary for Infrastructure David Crane; and Industrial sector innovators, experts, policymakers, and more.
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July 14, 2023 – America’s Next Revolution: Clean Industrial
By 2030, the industrial sector will be the top source of emissions, more than the power and transportation sectors. On Wednesday, July 19, ClearPath and Clean Air Task Force are hosting a summit to talk about how we can accelerate innovative clean energy technologies. The summit will feature U.S. Department of Energy Deputy Secretary David Turk, Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), in addition to industrial sector innovators, experts, policymakers, and more.
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June 30, 2023 – Building nuclear in America
ClearPath Chief Executive Officer Rich Powell moderated a panel, Nuclear Power: Coming to a Neighborhood Near You?, at the Aspen Ideas Festival this week. The panel featured Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon and TerraPower CEO Chris Levesque and highlighted the geopolitical effects of an advanced nuclear power plant coming to Wyoming.
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June 23, 2023 – Faison receives advanced nuclear trailblazer award
ClearPath’s Founder, Jay Faison, was honored by the U.S. Nuclear Industry Council at their tenth annual Advanced Reactors Summit in Charlotte, NC for his philanthropic leadership and ClearPath’s support for the deployment of new American nuclear energy technologies. Congratulations, Jay!
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June 16, 2023 – GOP wins Congressional Baseball Game
Last week, NET Power completed its merger with Rice Acquisition Corp. II to accelerate near-zero emissions through natural gas power generation. Proceeds from this transaction are expected to provide NET Power with capital to fund its corporate operations and grow its utility-scale power plant projects, expected to begin in 2026.
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June 9, 2023 – Congress passes permitting reform
For ClearPath, this is tremendous growth, and something I am personally really excited about,” said Andrea Steiner, ClearPath’s Chief Operating Officer. “A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to recruit these folks, and each one offers a unique skill set that will be a huge asset to our team.
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June 2, 2023 – Congress passes permitting reform
House Republicans rightly put permitting reform front and center of their agenda, and the bipartisan agreement, included in The Fiscal Responsibility Act, which passed the House earlier this week, and the Senate yesterday, is a significant step toward providing more predictability in the process. The bill includes parts of the BUILDER Act, sponsored by Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA), which improves coordination between agencies and establishes firm deadlines for environmental reviews.
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May 26, 2023 – Rich & Jerremy at House Hearings
ClearPath Chief Executive Officer Rich Powell testified before the House Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions in a hearing titled, “International Financial Institutions in an Era of Great Power Competition.”
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May 19, 2023 – Colorado next in line for Class VI primacy
UK-based companies C-Zero Markets (C-Zero) and Drax signed an MOU related to the sale of carbon removal credits from Drax’s first U.S. bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) project. Learn more about the different types of CDR solutions from our 101.
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May 12, 2023 – Harrell testifies before HNR
ICYMI: Dow announced that its Seadrift, Texas site, which manufactures more than 4 million pounds of materials per year, will host the first X-energy high-temperature gas reactor! ClearPath Chief Strategy Officer Jeremy Harrell testified before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations this week in a hearing titled, “The Biden Administration’s Executive Overreach and its Impact on American Energy Independence.”
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May 5, 2023 – ClearPath Leads Congressional Delegation to Houston, TX
Congratulations to our CEO Rich Powell — named as one of Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People of 2023 by Washingtonian Magazine.ClearPath brought a delegation of Members of Congress and Congressional staff to visit the energy capital of the world to engage with key industry stakeholders and visit projects.
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April 28, 2023 – Bill to allow American nuclear energy exports
Reps. Byron Donalds (R-FL) and James E. Clyburn (D-SC) introduced the International Nuclear Energy Act this week, which would establish a civil nuclear export strategy and nuclear fuel supply chain. ClearPath Action endorsed the bill.
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April 21, 2023 – Harrell at E&C – Big deal for U.S. nuclear
ClearPath Chief Strategy Officer, Jeremy Harrell, testified at the House E&C Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee hearing, “American Nuclear Energy Expansion: Powering a Clean and Secure Future” on Tuesday; Harrell testified as Chair of the Board, U.S. Nuclear Industry Council; Read Jeremy’s testimony here; Watch Jeremsy’s opening statement here.
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April 14, 2023 – Senate advanced nuclear bill – CO2 pipeline & well reg. delays – PA asking for carbon storage primacy
Legislation to support the next generation of reactor technologies needed for the U.S. to maintain global energy leadership was introduced recently by Senate EPW Committee Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). Key provisions of the ADVANCE Act include: Improvements to the licensing process for advanced reactors; Assistance for allied countries to streamline our trading opportunities; Modernization of the regulatory framework for manufacturing and construction; Addresses the NRC’s readiness to license reactors for non-electric applications.
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March 31, 2023 – H.R. 1 passes House – New ClearPath Action polling – Powell on JTN
House Republicans passed their signature energy package yesterday which will deliver lower emissions, lower costs, and more energy independence. ClearPath Action endorsed H.R. 1 saying, “This bill will unleash innovation, increase American production of energy, reduce global emissions, and make energy more affordable for American families.”
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March 24, 2023 – Spencer Nelson at House Science — H.R. 1 Support Grows — CCUS backlogs’ boiling point
Spencer Nelson, Managing Director of Research and New Initiatives at ClearPath and ClearPath Action, testified at a legislative hearing before the House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Energy on developing next-generation energy infrastructure. Spencer focused his testimony on three themes: historical successes of investments in innovation that have led to lower energy costs, the development for grid resilience, hydrogen energy and pipelines and opportunities for industrial decarbonization and carbon dioxide removal policies. Also this week, ClearPath Action proudly supported H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act. This legislation would unleash American energy, lower costs, and get clean American energy produced sooner, while also meeting the safety and environmental concerns of our communities. In other news, the Women’s Energy Resource Council (WERC) hosted a reception honoring House Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), the first woman to chair the Committee since its inception in 1795.
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March 17, 2023 – H.R.1 – Exporting American nuclear – LNG & DAC in Louisiana
This week, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) introduced H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, which would unlock American energy and get clean American energy produced sooner, while protecting the safety of our communities. This bill is a comprehensive package of energy policy changes focused on domestic energy production and permitting reform. Also this week, Sens. James Risch (R-ID) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced the International Nuclear Energy Act, which would establish a robust civil nuclear export strategy and nuclear fuel supply chain. ClearPath Action endorsed the bill. The bill would establish an Executive Office of Nuclear Energy Policy to design and execute a comprehensive strategy for enabling nuclear energy exports, direct the engagement with ally nations to deploy financing, research facilities and project development resources, and promote the safety, security and safeguards necessary to lay the foundation for a competitive U.S.-led nuclear export program. In other news, The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff just published its draft proposed rule for licensing advanced nuclear reactors for the NRC Commissioners to review and vote on. Read ClearPath’s latest blog from Niko McMurray, managing director of policy.
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March 10, 2023 – House GOP energy bill — Thermal battery breakthrough — Vogtle 3 closer to powering the grid
A robust American energy policy should make energy abundant, reliable, secure, affordable and clean. This House Republican energy package will deliver on all of those including: Unlocking American energy resources, putting innovation over regulation, modernizing permitting so that America can build, and prevailing over China and Russia. In other news, Antora Energy has developed a way to store thermal energy and use it to deliver on-demand, zero-carbon industrial heat and power. Learn more in our latest 3 minute video. Also this week, Georgia Power’s Plant Vogtle Unit 3 reached initial criticality earlier this week which is a major milestone in start-up testing and moves the plant closer to putting power on the grid. Vogtle Units 3 and 4 are expected to power more than 500,000 homes and businesses once operational.
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March 3, 2023 – Nuclear’s big comeback — Is the grid in trouble? — W.V. to build energy storage plant
Nuclear energy is making a comeback— in America and worldwide. The global marketplace is noticing, and demand has never been higher. Our Chief Strategy Officer Jeremy Harrell penned an op-ed in POWER Magazine outlining the momentum. The 118th Congress presents new opportunities to make sure America leads the world on this crucial clean energy technology. Speaking of the nuclear renaissance… Dow is collaborating with new nuclear company X-energy to heat and power a chemical manufacturing facility on the Gulf Coast. As part of the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, this project would represent the first-of-a-kind use of advanced nuclear for decarbonizing industrial processes. In other news, the U.S. is going to need more, not less power in the coming decades, but concerns about interconnection and the ability to build new energy projects including transmission are piling up, as documented in the recent ClearPath report, All Queued Up and Nowhere to Go.
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February 17, 2023 – New ClearPath Report – 4 steps for nuclear policy – Carbon capture comeback
This week, ClearPath published its second edition of “Clear Path to a Clean Energy Future,” updating the inaugural edition, tracking the power sector, clean technology, and policy trends in America. This analysis led to three key findings: Power sector carbon emissions are projected to plummet in the near term, but we are not on track for net-zero emissions by 2050; retaining the existing nuclear fleet is essential to prevent an emissions rebound in the long term; and technology-inclusive decarbonization promotes affordability. Also this week, Policy Advisor Natalie Houghtalen and Managing Director of Policy Niko McMurray published a blog entitled, “Nuclear Energy Policy Support Needs 4 Key Next Steps”. Consensus is building around the need for more nuclear energy to achieve America’s energy goals, play a key role in the global energy market, and lower global emissions. Today, the nuclear industry is heading towards a more optimistic future, but the next few years are crucial to enable wide-scale deployment. In other news, the largest U.S. retrofit of a coal plant with carbon capture, Petra Nova, is planning to resume operations in 2023!
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February 10, 2023 – “I’ll see you at the groundbreaking” — ClearPath adds Natural Gas expert — Geothermal demos moving forward
This week, President Joe Biden missed a critical opportunity during his State of the Union address on Tuesday. In touting the bipartisan infrastructure law, he directed a comment towards Republicans – “I’ll see you at the groundbreaking.” The past five years have yielded some of the most significant bipartisan innovation and climate policies in our nation’s history, increasing investments in energy infrastructure. But, breaking ground on anything will require a permit. In other news, Karen Obenshain joins ClearPath as Program Manager for Natural Gas where she will work on special projects to enable more clean natural gas through innovative leak detection and repair techniques from the oil and gas sector along with applications of emissions reduction processes and technologies. Also this week, the funding opportunity announcement to support enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) pilot demonstration projects was released by DOE. The Energy Act of 2020 authorized DOE to support up to seven competitively selected pilot projects that collectively demonstrate EGS. $74 million comes from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
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February 3, 2023 – 5 policies for the 118th — New ClearPath hire! — Pumped up for pumped storage
America has reduced its emissions by more than any country in the last 20 years, largely due to tech innovations in the power sector. But, if we don’t get our public policy right, these technologies will be built in China or Russia instead of at home. In his latest blog post, our Chief Strategy Officer Jeremy Harrell lays out the top five areas where conservative clean energy policy can lead to more American innovation, reduce emissions, and strengthen our economy. This week, we added Katie Prendergast as Chief of Staff to the CEO to our team. Katie previously served as Director of the White House Management Office under former President Trump. Also this week, Hydropower developer rPlus Hydro has submitted a Final License Application (FLA) for its Seminoe Pumped Storage project – making it one of only six pumped storage projects to reach this stage of development since 2000. In other news, Nuclear companies Framatome and Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation are planning to form a joint venture to manufacture nuclear fuel to meet demands in the U.S. and worldwide.
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January 27, 2023 – New E&C Subcommittee leadership — Hybrid CDR 101 – Advanced reactor receives NRC certification
Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) announced subcommittee leadership and membership, including these Chairs: Rep. Duncan (R-SC) on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security; Rep. Johnson (R-OH) on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Minerals; Rep. Griffith (R-VA) on Oversight and Investigations; and Rep. Armstrong (R-ND) as Vice Chair of the full Committee. In a new Tech 101 piece, our Policy Associate Jasmine Yu dives into recent breakthroughs in hybrid CDR and the policies accelerating their development. She discusses bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, biomass carbon removal and storage, macroalgae cultivation, and future hybrid CDR solutions to keep an eye on. In nuclear news, NRC has officially certified a design for a small modular reactor (SMR) – the first time NRC has done so for an advanced reactor design. The approved standard SMR design can now be licensed more easily for construction and operation by American companies.
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January 20, 2023 – “The Way Ahead” on energy tech – American LNG taking over – Energizing the private sector
ClearPath CEO Rich Powell joined National Review editor Rich Lowry in the final podcast of a five-part special energy series for The Editors, where the two Rich’s discuss new energy technologies. Also this week, The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) dives into the history of the EU’s dependence on Russian energy and how American LNG is suited to address their needs. CSIS says U.S. LNG has become Europe’s second-largest source of natural gas imports, but increased demand means we need more export capacity. In other news, ClearPath Founder Jay Faison joined the Sustainability 2100 event to talk about the nexus of the private sector and federal policy in advancing clean energy innovation to solve the climate challenge. Jay spoke with moderator William F. Martin about bolstering private sector involvement without sacrificing economic strength.
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January 13, 2023 – 118th Congress committee chairs – Track DOE’s demonstration awards – DAC works
House Republicans have confirmed committee chairs for the 118th Congress. Among the new chairs are Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), the first woman to chair Energy and Commerce, Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) chairing Natural Resources, and Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) chairing Science, Space, and Technology. All three new chairs plan to promote domestic energy production, reduce dependence on China and Russia, and prioritize American energy independence. With new opportunities to conduct federal spending oversight in the new Congress, ClearPath’s energy infrastructure tracker will be a valuable tool for keeping track of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) awards. Check out the tracker on ClearPath’s website, and follow us on Twitter for important tracker updates. In other news, Direct air capture (DAC) startup Climeworks has successfully demonstrated their ability to pull carbon dioxide from the open air, rather than from a point source like other forms of carbon capture, and sequestered it underground at its Iceland facility – a major milestone for the DAC industry.
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January 6, 2023 – America now top LNG exporter – Geothermal gains ground – Hydrogen projects in La., Calif.
Thanks to growing demand for non-Russian natural gas, the U.S. tied with Qatar, as the world’s top LNG exporter in 2022, exporting a total of 81.2 million tons of LNG. Plus, American LNG provider Venture Global recently delivered its first full cargo of LNG to Germany’s new terminal. Geothermal energy is also gaining traction thanks to $200 million in funding from Congress and private sector interest. While it currently only supplies 3.7 GW of power in the U.S., geothermal has the potential to scale up to more than 100 GW of capacity. Ben Lefebvre and Kelsey Tamborrino discuss the growth of geothermal in Politico Pro. In other news, DOE followed up on its funding opportunity announcement for $7 billion for a “hydrogen hubs” program with a recent step toward selecting projects. The Department narrowed down the field of applicants, sending “encouraging” notices to 33 of the 79 total proposals. The next step for the “encouraged” projects will be to submit applications explaining their plans in greater detail.
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December 16, 2022 – ClearPath adds Wall Street analyst as Advisor — Fusion breakthrough – NET Power going public
ClearPath CEO Rich Powell testified on this topic before the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee this week. Rich’s testimony covered three key topics: thinking globally and leading with American innovation; unleashing American energy resources and manufacturing; and expanding U.S. clean energy exports. Also this week, researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in California were able to achieve fusion ignition – a game-changer for the potential of fusion energy that indicates fusion is moving toward being a controlled and reliable zero-emissions energy source. In carbon capture news, CCS developer NET Power and Rice Acquisition Corp. II, a special purpose acquisition company, announced a deal to take the company public. The deal will accelerate the deployment of NET Power’s clean, natural-gas-powered electric generator in more markets and is expected to close in 2023.
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December 9, 2022 – American nuclear goes global, and public – Republican solutions for global climate challenge
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed the bipartisan International Nuclear Energy Act (INEA), which will support America’s nuclear export strategy. By exporting more American nuclear energy, the U.S. can supply a competitive alternative to Russia and China while lowering global emissions. In other nuclear news, advanced nuclear developer X-energy is going public and merging with special purpose acquisition company Ares Acquisition Corporation. The $2 billion deal will close in mid-2023, and the merged company is expected to generate $1 billion to develop X-energy’s small modular reactor (SMR) designs. Last month, delegates from around the world gathered in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt for the 27th annual Conference of the Parties (COP27). Our Government Affairs Fellow Mallory Shaevsky discusses the “rational environmentalism” approach championed by Republicans at COP27 and recaps their conversation at the U.S. pavilion in a new blog post.
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December 2, 2022 – ClearPath adds two new policy experts – CREST Act action – Infrastructure spending tracker
ClearPath announced two new additions to its policy team this week: Nick Lombardo as Senior Program Director of International Policy and Landon Stevens as Senior Program Director for the Electricity Sector. Also this week, the Senate Energy Committee examined the bipartisan Carbon Removal and Emissions Storage Technologies (CREST) Act sponsored by U.S. Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA). After this hearing, the CREST Act will be able to move into the markup process in the new Congress. ClearPath is tracking the $62 billion in energy programs funded by the bipartisan IIJA and authorized by its predecessor, the Energy Act of 2020. In a new blog post, our Policy Advisor Matthew Mailloux discusses progress made on the bipartisan IIJA’s energy projects and next steps to make sure these projects get built.
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November 18, 2022 – World’s first zero-emissions natgas plant – Conservatives at COP – New CDR report
Delegates from around the world gathered in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt to discuss global climate action at the annual Conference of the Parties (COP). The ClearPath team was excited to join a delegation of House Republicans as they presented their energy, climate and conservation policy solutions. The Members discussed the robust climate and energy framework created by the House Energy, Climate and Conservation Committee and what’s next for American and global climate policy. Also this week, Reps. John Curtis (R-UT) and Scott Peters (D-CA) introduced the bipartisan CREST Act, which will authorize research, development, and deployment of innovative carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and sequestration technologies. The bill will direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to expand research efforts on natural and technological CDR projects. Also, ClearPath Chief Strategy Officer Jeremy Harrell was selected to serve on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee. Jeremy will advise on programs and policies to expand the export competitiveness of U.S. technologies like energy storage, geothermal and hydrogen.
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November 11, 2022 – World’s first zero-emissions natgas plant – Conservatives at COP – New CDR report
Carbon capture developer NET Power announced plans to build the world’s first utility-scale, zero-emissions natural gas plant. The new plant will utilize NET Power’s innovative tech, which burns natural gas with pure oxygen, producing just CO2 and water. It will be built near Odessa, Texas and is expected to go online in 2026. This week, delegates from around the world will discuss global climate action at the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) meeting in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. ClearPath is a founding member of the Conservative Climate Foundation, which will bring six House Republicans to COP27. Read more about the history of COP and what is in store for this year’s meeting in our newest blog post. Also this week, the R Street Institute, a nonpartisan policy think tank, released a new report with climate nonprofit C3 Solutions on the benefits of and ideal policy solutions for carbon dioxide removal (CDR). The report finds that while there is public and private demand for CDR, the right market-based policies are needed to ensure the technology’s success.
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November 4, 2022 – COP27 here we come! — New video: importance of pipelines – ClearPath grows Govt. Affairs team
Among the delegates from around the world gathering in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt for COP27 will be a delegation of House Republicans led by the Conservative Climate Foundation (CCF). The Republican delegation plans to highlight the policy agenda they have rolled out as through the Energy, Climate and Conservation Task Force that are crucial for meeting emissions reduction goals. Also, ClearPath CEO Rich Powell explains the importance of building and maintaining pipeline systems in order to meet our clean energy goals in a new video. He explains that the U.S. will need a massive buildout of new pipeline infrastructure to get the hydrogen and captured CO2 where it needs to go. Also this week, ClearPath announced the addition of Mallory Shaevsky, former legislative staff for Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), as a Government Affairs Fellow. Mallory is a current Master of Arts candidate at Georgetown University. Her experience also includes work on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Environmental Protection Agency, and on House and Senate campaigns. Welcome, Mallory!
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October 28, 2022 – New ClearPath report on interconnection queues – Bipartisan Class VI bill – Advanced nuclear fuel facility in NC
In a new report, ClearPath examined the state of interconnection queues, implications of current delays and withdrawals for achieving net-zero, and potential policy solutions. Read the report, All Queued Up and Nowhere to Go: The Massive Interconnection Challenge Facing Net-Zero Electricity Deployment, by our research team Casey Kelly, Spencer Nelson, and Katie Hart. Also this week, Reps. David Joyce (R-OH) and Troy Carter (D-LA) introduced the SECURE Act, a bipartisan bill supporting state efforts to obtain primacy for Class VI carbon sequestration wells. The bill would increase the Environmental Protection Agency’s authorized state grant funding for Class VI wells from $50 million to $100 million. In nuclear news, Nuclear developer TerraPower and Global Nuclear Fuel – Americas, led by GE, are teaming up to build the Natrium advanced nuclear fuel facility outside Wilmington, North Carolina. The facility, which will expand GE’s existing fuel fabrication facility, will produce fuel needed for advanced nuclear reactors like TerraPower’s Natrium reactor in Kemmerer, Wyoming.
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October 21, 2022 – Plant Vogtle loading fuel – CNN features ClearPath’s Powell as climate expert – House GOP pushing for nuclear exports
In huge news for nuclear energy, Georgia Power’s Vogtle facility in Waynesboro, Georgia began loading fuel last week – the first brand new nuclear reactor to do so in over three decades. Unit 3 is expected to begin producing electricity in early 2023, while Unit 4 will do the same in late 2023. When finished, both reactors will be able to power half a million homes and businesses. Also this week, Rich Powell was featured as one of nine climate experts providing solutions to the climate challenge in a CNN opinion piece. Rich laid out three areas where both parties can work together on climate: leveraging American innovation and making clean energy cheaper, modernizing permitting to build cleaner and faster, and exporting more American technology. House Republicans are also working to export American tech and beat China and Russia with several initiatives. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) introduced the bipartisan International Nuclear Energy Act with House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC). In a letter to the Treasury Secretary, Reps. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and French Hill (R-AK) urged the Biden Administration to press European financial institutions to support nuclear energy exports.
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October 14, 2022 – Advanced nuclear fuel facility breaks ground – CCS planned in LA and NE – Podcast: modernize permitting
Nuclear company X-energy broke ground on their newest project: the first commercial-scale advanced nuclear fuel facility in America. The facility will produce X-energy’s version of tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) particle fuel, TRISO-X, an advanced and safe nuclear fuel that can withstand high temperatures without melting. In other news, ExxonMobil is partnering with ammonia manufacturer CF Industries on a new carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. CF Industries plans to capture its carbon emissions at their new ammonia manufacturing facility and transport the captured emissions to a planned 125,000 acre sequestration site. Carbon America has also announced plans to build a new project in Bridgeport, Nebraska, which will be the state’s first CCS facility. Expected to begin operation in 2024, the Bridgeport CCS project will capture 175,000 tons of carbon per year – equivalent to 95% of the ethanol plant’s fermentation process emissions.
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October 7, 2022 – Geothermal gaining ground – TX Class VI primacy – $450 million raised for long-duration storage tech
Searing heat waves in California this summer highlighted the need for reliable clean electricity – and more western states are turning to geothermal in response. But, the biggest challenge keeping geothermal from reaching its full potential is development limitations on federal land. Our Managing Director for Research and New Initiatives Spencer Nelson explains in a new blog post. In carbon capture news, The Texas Railroad Commission is planning to submit an application to build Class VI carbon sequestration wells to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While promising technologies are being developed to capture and store carbon emissions, we can only do so as fast as we can permit the projects. The success of the rapidly growing number of projects hinges on the ability to timely obtain a Class VI permit. Also this week, Energy storage startup Form Energy has raised $450 million from investors like steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal and private investment company TPG. The company plans to use these investments to fund construction of its first large-scale battery manufacturing facility and begin selling its batteries to customers.
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September 30, 2022 – Getting energy demos built right – New GOP permitting bill – Bipartisan hydrogen package
ClearPath CEO Rich Powell and former DOE Undersecretary for Science Paul Dabbar wrote a column laying out solutions to help the Department build new energy projects cleaner and faster, including hiring staff with private industry, construction, and operations backgrounds, using peer-review advisory boards specialized to each energy technology, and strengthening coordination with existing applied offices within DOE. Also this week, Ranking Members Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Bruce Westerman (R-AR) introduced new permitting legislation, the Securing America’s Mineral Supply Chains Act, which aims to bolster energy security and reduce America’s dependence on foreign adversaries like China for critical mineral resources. In other energy legislation news, two bipartisan hydrogen bills were introduced in the House: Reps. Scott Peters (D-CA), Mike Doyle, (D-PA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the Hydrogen for Industry Act, and Rep. David McKinley (R-WV) joined Reps. Peters, Doyle, and Fitzpatrick introduced the Hydrogen for Industry Act.
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September 23, 2022 – GOP Commitment to America – ClearPath at Senate ENR & Climate Week NYC – National Clean Energy Week
This week in Monongahela, Pennsylvania, Republican lawmakers led by Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), and Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) rolled out the House GOP’s new “Commitment to America” plan. With this plan, House Republicans aim to deliver “An Economy That’s Strong, A Nation That’s Safe, A Future That’s Built On Freedom, and A Government That’s Accountable” also includes a policy framework from the Energy, Climate and Conservation Task Force. Also this week, ClearPath Managing Director of Research Spencer Nelson testified this week before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee on “Opportunities and Challenges in Deploying Innovative Battery and Non-Battery Technologies for Energy Storage.” Earlier this week, ClearPath and API hosted an event at Climate Week NYC entitled, “Implementing the Largest Low-Carbon Energy Investment Programs in U.S. History.” The event featured experts and thought leaders from the energy industry, investment community, Department of Energy, and non-profit sectors on panels discussing accelerating Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and Hydrogen Deployment: America’s Path to Global Leadership, Direct Air Capture (DAC): The Newest Tool in the Climate Toolkit; and why CCUS, Hydrogen, and DAC are attracting Venture and Institutional Investors.
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September 16, 2022 – Diablo Canyon’s future – CCUS at Indiana cement plant – America leads on LNG
At a House Ways and Means Committee hearing entitled, “Preparing America’s Health Care Infrastructure for the Climate Crisis,” ClearPath CEO Rich Powell testified on how to Make our electric grid more reliable so our health care infrastructure never loses power, implement policies to support the grid and reduce climate impacts, and make communities and health care infrastructure more resilient to extreme weather. In other news, after the California legislature’s decision to keep the Diablo Canyon nuclear facility up and running comes more good news for nuclear: Michigan’s shuttered Palisades nuclear plant may reopen. Also this week, Senate Republicans have put forward solutions to modernize and improve how energy projects are permitted in America. Led by Environment and Public Works Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and co-sponsored by 38 Republicans, the Simplify Timelines and Assure Regulatory Transparency (START) Act would Codify the Trump administration’s NEPA regulations and definition of federally-controlled waters, speed up environmental review processes at the State and Federal level, and streamline the judicial process for natural gas and other pipelines, among other changes.
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September 9, 2022 – Diablo Canyon’s future – CCUS at Indiana cement plant – America leads on LNG
Summer heat waves straining the energy grid in CA show just how important grid reliability is. Luckily, the California legislature took steps to keep the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant online to provide some much-needed baseload energy. Last week, CA lawmakers voted on a slate of climate bills, including a decision to keep Diablo Canyon, the state’s last nuclear plant, operating for five more years. In other news, Russia cut off gas supplies to Europe indefinitely this week, making American leadership in liquified natural gas (LNG) even more imperative. In the first half of 2022, America was the world’s largest LNG exporter. Thankfully, the trend is set to continue as three new American LNG export projects are under construction on the Gulf Coast. The U.S. is in a unique position to lead global action on LNG and a number of clean energy sources, while creating jobs in new industries, reasserting technology and resources leadership over Russia and China, and driving down global emissions. Also this week, American manufacturer Lehigh Hanson is planning a new carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) project at its Mitchell, IN cement plant. Many American technology developers and cement makers are exploring how to apply CCUS technology to new and existing facilities thanks to legislation like the 45Q tax credit and bipartisan Energy Act of 2020.
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September 2, 2022 – CCS game-changer – World’s largest DAC plant – House GOP energy strategy gets more support
Innovative technology from carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) developer NET Power could change everything about clean energy development in the U.S. ClearPath CEO Rich Powell explains how NET Power works in our latest educational video. In other news, Occidental Petroleum (Oxy) is planning to begin construction on the world’s largest direct air capture (DAC) plant of its kind in West Texas later this year. Oxy is working on the plant with its subsidiary 1PointFive and Canadian DAC technology company Carbon Engineering. The plant will capture up to half a million tons of CO2 per year, with potential to scale up to 1 million tons per year. Also this week, ClearPath Action joined a coalition of 26 clean energy organizations in support of the House Republican Energy, Climate, and Conservation Task Force’s policy framework. Republicans have created a clear path toward effective clean energy and climate policy, and it is already receiving broad, enthusiastic support.
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August 19, 2022 – House GOP energy, climate plan – Why beating China is important – Illinois clean energy visits
This week, The House Republican Energy, Climate, and Conservation Task Force launched the sixth and final pillar of their policy strategy: Build Resilient Communities. The pillar includes plans to build coastal, wildfire, and Western water resilience to ensure preparation for natural disasters. Speaking of the Task Force’s pillar to Beat China; a column in the Wall Street Journal on how China steals U.S. technology is a must-read. Former undersecretary for Science at DOE and ClearPath advisory board member Paul Dabbar has a stark warning and four solutions to prevent this in the future. This week, ClearPath traveled to Chicago with a delegation of Republican Congressional staff for our Clean Energy Innovation Academy (CEIA). We toured a nuclear power plant at the Braidwood Nuclear Generating Station and learned about clean energy research and development at Argonne National Lab.
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August 5, 2022 – New nuclear in GA – More American energy – Microreactor legislation
Unit 3 at nuclear plant Vogtle, located in Waynesboro, Georgia, is on track to begin operation by the end of the year after receiving a significant NRC approval. There is an array of new and advanced American reactor designs, but Russia currently accounts for the majority of reactor exports worldwide. Nuclear is an area where America needs to lead by having multiple demonstrated technology options that can be exported. In other news, America is facing record high energy prices and the possibility of rolling blackouts. The answer to this problem is to produce more American energy. In an op-ed in RealClear Energy, Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) explains the importance of utilizing West Virginia’s coal and gas resources along with carbon capture, nuclear, and hydrogen technology. This week, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) introduced the National Strategy to Utilize Microreactors for Natural Disaster Response Efforts Act. The bill would facilitate collaboration between federal government agencies to power natural disaster response efforts with portable nuclear microreactors instead of diesel generators.
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July 29, 2022 – Task Force Innovation Plan – CHIPS, Science, & Baseball – Pore space 101
It was great to see everyone at the Congressional Baseball Game Thursday night! This week, the U.S. House Energy, Climate, and Conservation Task Force launched the fifth pillar of their six-part policy strategy: American Innovation. Innovation is about making clean energy cheaper. If two technologies are the same price and one is cleaner, utilities and industries worldwide will buy the cleaner alternative. The market for clean energy is a trillion dollar (annual) opportunity. In other news, the newest class of CO2 storage wells, Class VI, was developed for injection of CO2 into the porous space between the mineral grains of deep rock formations for long-term sequestration – this is known as pore space. Our CCUS Policy Analyst Grant Cummings dives deeper into pore space issues in a Tech 101, entitled “Pore Space 101: Carbon Capture Can’t Rock and Roll Without Storage”.
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July 22, 2022 – Climate task force launches TWO new policy pillars – First CCS with Class VI primacy – ClearPath wind energy report
This week, The Energy, Climate, and Conservation Task Force launched another pillar of its policy strategy: Let America Build. The Task Force wants to modernize permitting processes so American energy companies can get projects built cleaner and faster. The task force also launched a fourth pillar, Conservation with a Purpose, focusing on conservation, innovation, and efficiency in American agriculture. In other news, America’s first carbon capture and storage (CCS) project developed under state Class VI primacy, the Red Trail Energy ethanol plant in North Dakota, began operation last month. Last week, ClearPath released a report with LucidCatalyst consultants analyzing challenges to wind energy development, using Iowa, a wind-friendly state, as a case study. The report, Hawkeye State Headwinds: A Case Study of Local Opposition and Siting Challenges for Large Scale Wind Development in Iowa, was featured in a number of news stories including Fox Business and E&E News.
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July 15, 2022 – ClearPath expands policy team — Siting challenges for wind (report) – More baseload energy
While Iowa has abundant wind resources, local opposition and siting issues are posing challenges to getting new facilities and transmission infrastructure built. This week, ClearPath and LucidCatalyst consultants released an analysis of wind energy projections in Iowa. America needs a wide portfolio of clean energy technologies to address the climate challenge. Renewables have a role to play alongside baseload sources like nuclear and natural gas, but alone are not enough to reliably support our energy grid. Also this week, ClearPath CEO Rich Powell explains why baseload energy is so important in RealClearEnergy. Baseload sources like natural gas, nuclear, coal, and hydropower can power our homes and businesses 24/7/365 and help prevent blackouts. In other news, ClearPath added Jonika Rathi as a Policy Fellow. She will assist the policy team with data analysis and modeling. Welcome, Jonika!
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July 1, 2022 – Happy 4th of July! – U.S nuclear global opportunities — Huge new DAC plant
American independence is important every day, but especially on the 4th of July! It’s more important than ever that the U.S. assert energy independence, security, and dominance. America is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, from fossil fuels to critical minerals, but more importantly with an American spirit and passion to innovate. Not only do these things keep us independent, but secure our place as a global leader. In other news, Canadian electric utility Saskpower selected American-made GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) for potential deployment in Saskatchewan. A new generation of advanced reactors that cost less, have further reaching applications, and have passive safety features could drastically change the global energy landscape. Also this week, the Dutch Cabinet has announced plans to build two new nuclear reactors in the city of Borselle, where their only operating nuclear plant is located. By law, the U.S. can only export nuclear technologies to countries with explicit bilateral agreements – one of which is the Netherlands. These new projects present an opportunity to bring American nuclear technology abroad.
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June 24, 2022 – Beat China and Russia – Bipartisan carbon removal bill – Clear path for CDR
This week, The House Republican Energy, Climate, and Conservation Task Force rolled out the second part of its six-part energy policy strategy: Beat China and Russia. Republicans have a comprehensive plan to address the climate challenge, and a big part of that is recognizing the need to establish a domestic energy supply chain rather than relying on foreign adversaries. Also this week, a new bipartisan bill, the Carbon Removal and Emissions Storage Technologies (CREST) Act, would authorize more R&D for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and sequestration technologies. “CDR is one of the most promising clean technologies for removing carbon already in our atmosphere and affordably reducing emissions across the global economy,” said ClearPath Action CEO Rich Powell. In other news, we recently hosted an educational briefing on the importance of adding CDR to the climate solutions toolkit. Read more from ClearPath Policy Analyst Savita Bowman in a new blog post entitled “Removing Emissions Already in Our Atmosphere”.
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June 17, 2022 – ClearPath expands government affairs team – American LNG goes global – More American Uranium
This week, The Carbon Removal and Emissions Storage Technologies (CREST) Act was introduced by Sen. Collins (R-ME). Tune in next week for analysis! Also this week, ClearPath added Amanda Sollazzo as a Government Affairs Associate. She will assist the Government Affairs team with project management, events, outreach, and operations. Welcome, Amanda! In other news, ClearPath Policy Analyst Matthew Mailloux dives into the innovation and exports of clean energy technology helping America remain a global energy leader in a new blog post. Lastly, Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and August Pfluger (R-TX) introduced the Critical Minerals Classification Improvement Act, endorsed by ClearPath Action, which will secure America’s domestic critical minerals supply.
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June 10, 2022 – Franchising DAC – Clean energy demos – Energy storage in Utah
Occidental Petroleum subsidiary 1PointFive and Canadian direct air capture (DAC) solution provider Carbon Engineering Ltd. want to employ a “franchise-like” model to accelerate the deployment of DAC plants. The companies plan to distribute standard, operation-ready plant designs to local partners. Modular components of the plants would be supplied by Carbon Engineering and assembled on-site by 1PointFive. In other news, congress enacted the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in November 2021, funding a wide range of clean energy demonstration programs. Now that the funding has been allocated, it is important for DOE to implement IIJA programs consistent with Congressional direction. ClearPath has developed a series of memos with recommendations for these demonstrations. Find all of these memos in a new blog post by ClearPath Senior Program Director Alex Fitzsimmons. Also this week, DOE announced its finalization of a $504.4 million loan guarantee for the Advanced Clean Energy Storage (ACES) project in Delta, Utah.
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June 3, 2022 – House GOP energy strategy – Michigan case for nuclear – ClearPath expands policy team
This week, The House Republican Energy, Climate, and Conservation Task Force chaired by Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA) launched part one of a six-part strategy on energy and climate policy. The plan’s six pillars include: Unlock America’s Resources, Beat China and Russia, Let America Build, Build Resilient Communities, American Innovation, and Conservation with a Purpose. In other news, The Palisades Nuclear Generating Station in Michigan recently shut down, leaving 92 operating nuclear plants and causing some to suggest an increased risk in summer blackouts. While MI has dramatically increased renewables in recent years, combined they still can’t produce as much electricity as Palisades. Also this week, Houston energy infrastructure company Sempra Energy has signed a deal with French petroleum company TotalEnergies and Japanese corporations Mitsui & Co. and Mitsubishi Corp. to develop a carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) project in Louisiana.
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May 27, 2022 – ClearPath hosts U.S. Reps. in Houston – A clear path for microreactors in AK – CDR investments soar
This week, the ClearPath team traveled to Houston, Texas — the energy capital of the world — with a delegation of House Republicans to learn about Houston’s incredible potential as a carbon capture and hydrogen hub. Tour locations included NET Power’s La Porte, TX carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration plant — the world’s first large-scale, supercritical plant of its kind and the Houston Ship Channel, home to refineries, petrochemical, and other industrial plants and the proposed location for a carbon capture and storage hub. Also this week, Governor Dunleavy of Alaska signed a bill introduced and passed earlier this year that could bring low-cost electricity to Alaskan villages in the form of nuclear microreactors. The new law eliminates the requirement for legislative approval of the reactor’s location, making them a streamlined, viable energy option for some remote communities. In other news, we launched new carbon dioxide removal (CDR) policy page that dives into these recent technological and legislative advances and the future of American CDR.
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May 20, 2022 – CCS in TX and CA – Duke commits to hydrogen, advanced nuclear
Oil and gas companies BP and Linde announced plans for a major carbon capture and storage (CCS) project along the Texas Gulf Coast that will enable: Clean hydrogen production and storage for CO2 captured from those and other industrial facilities. The project will produce low-carbon hydrogen for the greater Houston area, transmitted along Linde’s hydrogen pipeline network. In other news, after a North Carolina law requiring electric public utilities to become carbon neutral by 2050, Duke Energy announced plans to meet its commitments through advanced nuclear and hydrogen projects. According to the law, the company must commit to a comprehensive emissions reduction plan by the end of the year. Duke plans to retire its NC coal-fired plants and instead focus on: Grid efficiency improvements, energy storage, natural gas power plants that are able to transition to 100% hydrogen and advanced nuclear reactors. Also this week, CCUS Program Manager Jena Lococo and Policy Analysts Savita Bowman and Grant Cummings dive into these three innovative technologies in their new blog post. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) remains one of the most promising clean energy technologies — it was identified in the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report as a crucial technology in global emissions reduction efforts.
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May 13, 2022 – Innovative energy storage tech from Holtec – Class VI permits in California – ClearPath expands ops team
This week, energy supplier Holtec has announced the successful development of its Green Boiler technology which, when deployed, will be able to repurpose existing coal-fired plants into clean energy generators. The Green Boiler is a large-capacity energy storage system that produces steam using cleaner energy sources, such as SMR-160 nuclear reactors, instead of coal. Also this week, independent oil and gas provider California Resources Corporation (CRC) applied for Class VI storage permits for two new Carbon TerraVault carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects in the Sacramento basin. CRC plans to add 80 million metric tons of permanent storage, bringing the projects’ total combined storage capacity to 120 million metric tons — over halfway to its goal of 200 million metric tons by the end of 2022. Last week, ClearPath announced the addition of Melanie Lozano, who was formerly with the Georgetown University Center for the Study of Learning, as Executive Assistant. Welcome Melanie!
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May 6, 2022 – TX Class VI primacy – Big return on natural gas investments – Preserving CA’s last nuclear plant
The Texas Railroad Commission is now able to apply for Class VI primacy for the state of Texas, which would expedite progress on carbon capture and sequestration (CCUS) projects. The federal permitting process for Class VI wells, which are used for geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide, currently takes years to complete under the EPA. States with primacy, or enforcement authority, over the process are able to approve and construct Class VI wells years faster. In other news, technology breakthroughs need both public and private support to reach their full scale and deployment potential, and there is no better example than the shale gas boom in America. Hydraulic fracturing — the process of breaking up shale rocks to release the natural gas inside — was pioneered by Texas entrepreneur George Mitchell in the 1970s, but got off the ground with federal investments. Rich Powell summarizes this in under 2 minutes in our new whiteboard video. Also this week, Diablo Canyon, California’s last nuclear power plant, remains at risk of a 2025 shutdown. Governor Newsom suggested that funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) could help preserve the plant, yet some are skeptical it’s too little too late.
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April 29, 2022 – Game-changing CCUS tech – ClearPath at SS&T – Conservative clean energy agenda
This week, Policy Analyst Grant Cummings launched a blog discussing a new CycloneCC technology from tech developer Carbon Clean could greatly lower carbon emissions worldwide. This unique technology leverages modular construction and rotating packing beds to capture CO2 from gas mixtures released during industrial activity. Also this week, Jeremy Harrell testified before the House Science, Space, & Technology Committee’s hearing, “Now or Never: The Urgent Need for Ambitious Climate Action.” Jeremy covered why innovation is essential to emissions reduction, how recent demonstration programs authorized by the Energy Act of 2020 and funded by the bipartisan infrastructure bill are once-in-a-generation opportunities, decarbonizing the industrial sector, and building cleaner faster. In other news, our CEO Rich Powell dives into the Republican clean energy agenda in his latest op-ed in The Washington Times, noting several areas where America can lead. This was in light of the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report.
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April 22, 2022 – ClearPath at House Science hearing – Critical minerals supply chain – New advanced nuclear partnership
Next week, The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee will be examining the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports and recommendations to deploy clean energy innovations on April 28. ClearPath’s Chief Strategy Officer Jeremy Harrell will testify as the Republican witness at the hearing, entitled: Now or Never: The Urgent Need for Ambitious Climate Action. Jeremy will focus on the need to deploy commercially available technologies and catalyze American innovation worldwide. This week, the Biden Administration reversed efforts to streamline the federal permitting process, which now has the potential to slow permitting of clean energy infrastructure and projects to develop American resources. Also this week, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Canadian power company Ontario Power Generation (OPG) are teaming up to develop small modular reactors across North America.This partnership will support advanced nuclear deployment efforts in both the U.S. and Canada. In other news, DOE’s Loan Programs Office has offered Syrah Vidalia Facility a conditional commitment of up to $107 million to expand production capacity at their Louisiana mining facility.
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April 15, 2022 – Houston’s clean energy strategy — New advanced reactor — Major private sector CDR investment
As the U.S. continues to lead on clean energy innovation, Houston — the energy capital of the world — is working to help companies embrace the changing market. Houston’s strategy involves developing a carbon storage facility to capture Houston’s industrial emissions, supporting companies’ expansion to hydrogen production, and expanding Houston into a hydrogen and carbon storage hub. Also this week, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) has partnered with Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation to deploy an advanced nuclear reactor on the university’s campus. The reactor will be based on a micro-reactor design that improves upon existing high-temperature, gas-cooled reactor technology, and will focus on making advanced nuclear more widely deployable, while educating and training an advanced nuclear workforce. In other news, a major investment spearheaded by finance company Stripe will put $925 million toward carbon dioxide removal (CDR) efforts. Stripe’s Frontier fund, backed by tech companies including Alphabet, Meta, and Shopify, will support the scaling up of CDR startups and reduce the cost of CO2 offsets.
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April 8, 2022 – Breakthrough hydro deal — Power sector innovations — Senate bill on American nuclear competitiveness
This week, a breakthrough agreement between Native American tribes, environmentalists, and industry may mean faster permitting timelines and more hydropower coming soon. Smart policies that streamline permitting and invest in innovation could grow America’s hydropower and pumped storage hydro industries. Today, 7% of power on the grid comes from hydro. In other news, distant conflicts have global consequences. Even with the ban on Russian oil, gas, and coal reducing American dependence on foreign sources, we can continue moving toward our clean energy goals by leveraging domestic resources. Our CEO Rich Powell and Policy Analyst Natalie Houghtalen explain how hydrogen can be part of the solution. Also this week, senators Risch (R-ID) and Manchin (D-WV) introduced a bipartisan bill at a critical time when America should be increasing nuclear energy exports. Legislation like the International Nuclear Energy Act will help the U.S. maintain its leadership in the global nuclear energy market, and support U.S. nuclear energy companies looking to deploy their designs abroad.
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April 1, 2022 – Fix permitting for critical minerals — new CCUS partnership — nuclear and critical minerals a global solution
Invoking the Defense Production Act to increase U.S. production of critical minerals may be a small step, but doesn’t solve the root problem — the need to modernize permitting. When it comes to critical mineral production, the U.S. has not just fallen behind — we’re almost nowhere to be found. In order to ensure a reliable supply of American-sourced critical minerals, our federal permitting process must be streamlined and modernized. In other news, a site in Louisiana to store captured carbon dioxide has been agreed upon by Oxy Low Carbon Ventures and timberland company Weyerhaeuser. The potential project, a geologic storage facility utilizing Weyerhaeuser-owned pore space, would be an important step for CCUS momentum, and both groups’ climate goals. Also this week, unrest in the global energy market and rising gas prices are prompting a market response. As the U.S. and other nations cut reliance on Russian fossil fuels, The Economist highlights how increased demand for critical minerals and nuclear power could give them a chance to shine.
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March 25, 2022 – CO2 removal investments — Nuclear energy a global solution — Rep. Graves’ clean, secure, affordable energy plan
In the news this week, an innovative carbon dioxide removal (CDR) startup from California, Heirloom Carbon Technologies Inc., has received $53 million in investments to help build their first pilot-scale facility. The technology utilizes a cheap and widely available resource: limestone. In other news, Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) is beginning to site a new small modular reactor (SMR), Canada’s first grid-scale project of this type, using American technology. Also this week, Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA) appeared on Just the News to discuss American clean energy efforts amid rising energy prices and what House Republicans are working on.
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March 18, 2022 – American resource independence — Hydropower here to stay — Build cleaner faster
Reducing dependence on resources, energy and critical minerals from places like China and Russia is clearly a shared, bipartisan goal. Dependence leads to increased global emissions and handicaps American businesses. In other news, Currently, we have about 102 GW of hydropower and pumped storage capacity, or enough to power more than 75 million homes in the United States. DOE’s HydroVision predicts the U.S. could add 50 GW of hydropower through 2050. Also this week, House Science & Tech Committee leaders Randy Weber (R-TX) and Frank Lucas (R-OK) are urging the NRC and DOE to improve the advanced reactor licensing process so the U.S. can strengthen energy independence, retain leadership in innovation, and mitigate the climate challenge.
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March 11, 2022 – Commercializing energy storage – S. Korean Co investing in American tech – Independence through permitting reform
This week, a landmark 15-year agreement was announced between Texas utility CPS Energy and Quidnet Energy to build a long-duration, grid-scale energy storage project. American innovators are well-positioned to lead the world in the development of next-generation energy storage technologies. Quidnet’s geomechanical pumped storage (GPS) technology, while similar to traditional pumped hydro storage, offers a few key advantages: small size, it’s not reliant on certain elevation conditions, and it does not disrupt lake or river ecosystems. Also this week, congress released an omnibus spending bill which passed the U.S. House on Wednesday and the Senate on Thursday. It includes exciting clean energy innovation provisions. In other news, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) are joining forces to advance clean energy technologies from design to deployment.
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March 4, 2022 – 3 permitting fixes — More American lithium — Nuclear energy critical in midst of Russian aggression
This week, ClearPath CEO Rich Powell laid out a framework in his latest op-ed to get new energy projects built cleaner and faster. Energy independence is critical for national security. One big thing we need to fix immediately is the red tape around permitting, and bring more American energy projects online…much faster. Also this week, Lithium Americas has acquired the final permits needed to begin its Thacker Pass lithium project, initially approved by the Trump administration in January 2021, in Humboldt County, NV. Thacker Pass began the permitting process about a decade ago and will be only the second active lithium mine in the U.S. In other news, Nuclear energy is a major contributor to emissions reduction in the U.S., and could play an even bigger role as tension grows in the global energy market amid Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Several new American nuclear technologies are near commercialization. However, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is currently unequipped to review them. The bipartisan American Nuclear Infrastructure Act (ANIA) could speed up the process.
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February 18, 2022 – Geothermal, Energy Storage Boost — ClearPath expands comms team – American nuclear heads to Poland
This week, as part of a series of ARPA-E clean energy innovation awards, Fervo Energy was selected to demonstrate its advanced geothermal and long-duration storage technology, The FervoFlex™. Geothermal energy is clean, safe, reliable and renewable. There is a virtually limitless supply of geothermal energy right beneath us. Also this week, DOE recently announced $2.91 billion of the bipartisan infrastructure law will go towards the production of advanced batteries, critical to rapidly growing clean energy industries. In other news, ClearPath announced the addition of Jane Reynolds, who was formerly with Bracewell Policy Resolution Group and Advanced Energy Economy, as Communications Associate. Welcome Jane!
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This week, Jeremy Harrell, ClearPath Chief Strategy Officer, testified before the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee this week, stating, “Nearly 50 countries are projected to have markets for advanced nuclear before 2050, a more than $360 billion market opportunity for the American supply chain.” Additionally, earlier this week, EPW Committee Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (WV) and House Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA) pressed the GAO to review NRC’s preparedness on advanced nuclear reactor applications. In other news, Leading energy companies and steel manufacturers are joining together to advocate for an industrial hydrogen hub in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. New alliance includes EQT Corporation … Equinor … GE Gas Power … Marathon Petroleum (including its affiliate MPLX) … Mitsubishi Power … Shell Polymers … and U.S. Steel. Also this week, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) announced a roadmap for advanced nuclear in its New Nuclear Program. The program will explore advanced nuclear energy options such as small modular reactors as one of several technologies for achieving its net-zero by 2050 goal.
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February 4, 2022 – Advanced nuclear in EPW — CCUS, hydrogen hub atlas — Microreactors in Alaska
Next week, ClearPath will testify at EPW on advanced nuclear reactors. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will examine legislation that will modernize the Nuclear Regulatory Commission process. This comes at a critical time as the NRC is expected to review several advanced reactor applications in the next few years. In other news, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy and the state legislature have new legislation paving a path for more nuclear power from microreactors. The Alaska bill removes the needless burden of state legislature approval, allowing municipalities the ultimate say. There are already two proposed sites for microreactors in the state. A pilot project at Air Force base Eielson and a reactor for combined heat and power in Valdez. Also this week, the Great Plains Institute issued an “atlas” that identified 14 regions – ranging from the Bakken shale play and Permian Basin to the Pacific Northwest – well-suited to the development of hydrogen and carbon storage hubs.
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January 21, 2022 – The path to net-zero – Incoming NE leadership – States’ support for nuclear
This week, an AP survey of the energy policies in all 50 states and DC found that approximately two-thirds are pursuing nuclear energy to reduce their emissions. The survey findings suggest “many are coming to the conclusion that solar, wind and other renewable power sources might not be enough to keep the lights on.” Also this week, ExxonMobil announced its goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Exxon has planned investments of $15 billion over the next six years in lower-emissions initiatives, including carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and biofuels. In other news, President Biden nominated Dr. Kathryn Huff to serve as Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, Department of Energy. The Office of Nuclear Energy plays a key role in enabling the success of several initiatives such as the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, and strong leadership is key.
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January 14, 2022 – New Advisory Board member – ClearPath expands policy bench – Why nuclear matters
This week Marty Hall is rejoining our Advisory Board after serving as Republican Staff Director for the House Climate Select Committee for three years. Also this week, ClearPath also announced two new policy analysts. Grant Cummings, former legislative aide for U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), will work across ClearPath’s clean energy technology portfolio, with a focus on export policies, trade, and carbon capture and Casey Kelly, former fellow for the International Council on Clean Transportation, will work closely with our modeling and research team, supporting power markets and technology-specific research projects. In other news, our friend, Jason Bordoff, Co-Founding Dean of the Columbia Climate School, recently penned a piece detailing why nuclear power has returned to the energy debate.
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January 7, 2022 – Offshore CCS momentum – Deploying advanced nuclear – Clear path for climate solutions
This week Rich Powell launched an op ed entitled, “A Clear, Bipartisan Path for Climate Change”. Climate change is not partisan, and the challenge it poses to society merits significant action at every level of government and the private sector. If we are to truly tackle the global climate challenge, we will need some common ground and a dose of technological, economic, and political realism. Also this week, ClearPath program manager Jena Lococo dives into the momentum building to sequester CO2 in the offshore environment with her blog entitled, “Unlocking a New Wave of Carbon Capture and Storage Projects”. In other news, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chair Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY) introduced legislation last month that would help fund the siting and construction of advanced nuclear reactors. The Fission for the Future Act would create a program for DOE to fund eligible entities to support their deployment of advanced nuclear power.
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December 17, 2021 – COP26 takeaways – New policy expert – NuScale goes public
This week we launched out latest whiteboard video where Rich Powell shares a few high-level takeaways on COP26, which took place last month in Scotland. Nuclear energy is coming back in a big way as a globally favored climate solution, India finally came to the table with a long-term, zero-carbon goal of net-zero by 2070, more innovation is needed in the U.S. to build on The Energy Act of 2020 to meet global demand and China nor Russia sent top leaders to the COP, nor did they increase their commitments, and China increasingly appears to be a global outlier on climate. In other news, Casey Kelly joins ClearPath as a policy analyst from the International Council on Clean Transportation. She previously worked as an electricity market analyst at TrueLight Energy. Also this week, NuScale announced this week they are becoming a public, standalone company by merging with Spring Valley Acquisition Corp., a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).
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December 10, 2021 – New clean hydrogen video – Nuclear energy innovation – International nuclear exports collaboration
Today, hydrogen is mainly used as a chemical in industry for oil refining and fertilizer production, but it has the potential to be another player in the clean energy innovation game. Rich Powell Explains why the smallest element on the periodic table could unlock some of the biggest energy challenges — electricity grid resilience, energy storage, and industrial decarbonization in our latest video entitled “Clean Hydrogen Finds New Energy Markets”. Also this week, Reps. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) and Elaine Luria (D-VA) introduced the Accelerating Nuclear Innovation through Fee Reform Act, which will help alleviate the regulatory burdens for advanced reactor developers. “This legislation will not only help alleviate the regulatory burdens for advanced reactor developers, but it will also accelerate their deployment – a true win-win,” said Rich Powell, ClearPath Action Executive Director. In other news, ClearPath Director of Government Affairs, Colleen Moss, will join the Executive Committee of the Women’s Energy Resource Council (WERC) as Treasurer.
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December 3, 2021 – Big investments for fusion – A promising energy solution – Unprecedented year for CCUS
It was great to see so many of you last night at our holiday party on December 2! Investments in fusion energy are heating up as evidenced by two big announcements this week … Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) raised more than $1.8 billion in Series B funding and General Fusion raised $130 million to develop a commercial reactor. Also this week, Hydrogen has emerged as a promising energy solution, as many in government and industry are assessing countries’ net-zero goals, writes Rich Powell in a piece for the Washington Times. American policymakers are creating a comprehensive framework to deploy hydrogen across sectors. In other news, the International Energy Agency published an analysis on the unprecedented momentum behind CCUS in 2021, and how this differs from previous years. Growth in the project pipeline is stemming from increased recognition that CCUS is necessary to meet net-zero goals, enhanced interest in cost-competitive, low-carbon hydrogen, and an improved investment environment due to new policy incentives. Lastly, the NRC announced it can officially begin a detailed review of Kairos’ application for a construction permit for the Hermes reactor, a scaled down version of Kairos’ salt-cooled high temperature fast reactor.
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November 19, 2021 – New CCS game-changer – Natrium heads to Wyoming – Rich joins Ruthless
Game-changing carbon capture technology is officially supplying supercritical CO2 power to the grid in Texas. This week, it was reported that NET Power’s project in La Porte, Texas, “exported enough energy to power more than 1,000 homes during a first-time grid synchronization.” Meanwhile, TerraPower announced it will build its Natrium reactor, an advanced nuclear power plant that utilizes thermal energy storage, in Kemmerer, Wyoming at a retiring coal facility. In ClearPath news, Rich Powell joined the Ruthless Podcast this week to talk about how Republicans are leading with clean energy innovation solutions to the climate challenge. We also released our latest Tech 101 piece entitled “Carbon Dioxide Removal 101”. Carbon dioxide removal refers to the process of removing CO₂ that has already been emitted into the atmosphere and Solutions range from engineered solutions such as direct air capture (DAC) and biomass energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) to natural solutions such as tree planting.
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November 12, 2021 – Crapo on ESIC — What’s in the BIF? — COP recap
We may be looking at the missing market signal to solve the climate challenge. This week Senate Finance Committee Republican leader Mike Crapo (R-ID) sits down with ClearPath’s Rich Powell to explain his new approach to clean energy incentives, the Energy Sector Innovation Credit (ESIC). In other news, the bipartisan infrastructure bill contains significant investments in research, development, and demonstration of clean energy technology. The combined impact of the clean energy demonstrations, civil nuclear, transmission improvements and a few other climate policies would likely reduce emissions by a total of 160 million metric tons of CO2 per year over the next five years. Also this week, Members of ClearPath were recently at COP26 in Glasgow as part of a Republican Congressional Delegation trip.
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November 5, 2021 – Clean Steel — Eyes on COP26 — GOP Senate Climate Plan
At ClearPath, reducing power-sector emissions has been our primary focus, but we added the industrial sector to our portfolio earlier this year — going from tackling a quarter of U.S. carbon emissions to half. In our latest video, entitled “Clean Steel Innovation Boosting American Manufacturing” shows innovative ways to decarbonize steel production! In other news, members of the ClearPath team will be attending COP26 in Glasgow as part of a Republican Congressional Delegation trip organized by the Conservative Climate Foundation this week and next. Also this week, Republican Senators released an ambitious legislative framework to tackle the global (emphasis on global) climate challenge, utilizing more innovation of clean and reliable energy.
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October 29, 2021 – Hydrogen innovation — COP26 kicking off — $1.75 trillion
Congressional Democrats and the White House announced a new $1.75 trillion spending bill agreement and punted a vote on the infrastructure bill to next month. What’s in it is expanded 45Q tax incentive for carbon capture and direct air capture … the establishment of a nuclear production tax credit focused on preserving existing nuclear facilities across the country … a new financial incentive for domestic hydrogen production … Support for advanced industrial tech deployment program. Also this week, a bipartisan hydrogen innovation initiative led by Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Chris Coons (D-DE) will help accelerate hydrogen deployment and infrastructure. Hydrogen has huge potential to connect sectors of the economy to maximize resources in the entire clean energy system. In other news, COP 26 kicks off under the backdrop of emerging energy crises. Places like Europe and China are experiencing supply challenges and emerging price spikes.
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October 22, 2021 – Conservatives to COP — Critical minerals supply chain opportunities — A.F. deploying micro reactor in Alaska
A first-of-its-kind House Republican delegation will be attending COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland. Conservatives have solutions to climate change and are taking a seat at the table to have their ideas heard. Reps. Garret Graves (R-LA) … John Curtis (R-UT) … David McKinley (WV) … Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) and others will attend. In other news, explosive growth of energy storage technology is dramatically increasing demand for critical minerals, whose supply chains are largely controlled by the Chinese government. This week Alex Fitzsimmons published a blog entitled, “Time to Build a Domestic Critical Minerals Supply Chain” that dives into the demand for critical minerals and their supply chains. Also this week, Micro nuclear reactor technology is getting a big boost as the U.S. Air Force has selected Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, Alaska to deploy its first micro reactor.
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October 15, 2021 – French nuclear back – Chevron commits to net zero — Mega Louisiana hydrogen project
France announced an investment of €1B in nuclear power by the end of this decade. What’s clear is as energy prices across Europe have skyrocketed, EU leaders are looking to find solutions. Also this week, Chevron set a target to cut operational emissions to net zero by 2050, the latest to join a list of energy companies taking steps to reduce emissions. In other news, A $4.5 billion mega-project will produce over 750 million standard cubic feet per day of blue hydrogen in Ascension Parish, Louisiana.
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October 8, 2021 – U.S. Hydrogen Exports — Build Cleaner, Faster — Big CCUS Investments
As part of National Hydrogen Day, ClearPath released a new report focused on the export opportunity for decarbonized hydrogen, going in depth on big trends such as the EU and Japan’s clean hydrogen supply gaps; Russia, and the Middle East’s efforts to dominate the market; The competitive role the USA can play in exporting clean hydrogen; and Emerging U.S. hydrogen hubs could meet both domestic and international demand. In other news this week, congressional leaders and energy experts will be providing insights on navigating the global energy economy and markets at the Texas Energy Day event. Also, DOE announced a $45 million investment for 12 carbon capture and storage projects doing point-source capture for natural gas power and industrial facilities such as cement and steel.
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October 1, 2021 – Home runs for GOP – Bipartisan reduction of 2.5 gigatons of CO2 – Rich on PBS
It’s our honor to have sponsored the annual bipartisan Congressional Baseball Game for Charity this week. The Republicans reversed a losing streak on Wednesday with a 13-12 thriller at Nationals Park. Home runs by Reps. Greg Steube (R-FL), Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) and Blake Moore (R-UT) fueled the win in what has been called “one of the best games in the Congressional Baseball Game history.” In other news, Spencer Nelson covers some estimated emissions reductions benefits of the Energy Act of 2020 in a new blog posted this week. Also, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell sat down with PBS to tape an interview for their documentary series: Power Trip: The Story of Energy.
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September 24, 2021 – Clean Energy Week — Storage Day — Mobile Microreactors
This week was National Clean Energy Week and Executive Director Rich Powell spoke at Policy Makers Symposium on a panel entitled, Leveraging U.S. Policy to Reduce Global Emissions. The big thing to remember — bipartisan support for clean energy innovation is as strong as ever. Also this week, ClearPath Senior Research Director, Spencer Nelson presented findings from a recent report to Members of the House Science, Space & Technology Committee and staff from the House Western Caucus. Also, World Energy Storage Day was on September 22 and here are a few takeaways … energy storage can help the grid save electricity for later use to meet peak demand or restore power during grid outages, bipartisan support for energy storage innovation is strong and growing, and exciting new technologies exist, like Form Energy’s iron-air battery.
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September 17, 2021 – New Hire! — Houston Hub for CCUS — Nuclear saved in IL
This week ClearPath announced Matthew Mailloux, former State Budget Director for the Office of Governor Christopher T. Sununu (R-NH), has joined as a Policy Analyst. Mailloux will work across our clean energy technology portfolio, with a focus on economics, finance, and power markets. Also in the Rundown this week, everything is bigger in Texas … including carbon capture. Eleven companies are interested in supporting the large-scale deployment of carbon capture and storage technology in Houston. With a plan to address industrial emissions, the companies could capture and store up to 50 million metric tons of CO2 per year by 2030 and about 100 million metric tons by 2040. In other news, two nuclear energy plants, Byron and Dresden, will be refueled following action taken by the state legislature to enact a comprehensive energy bill. This legislation will strengthen Illinois’ clean energy leadership, preserve tens of thousands of jobs, and continue to play a major role in the clean energy future.
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September 10, 2021 – Game-changing energy tax proposal – The story of U.S. innovation – New, American nuclear exports
A bipartisan energy tax proposal to encourage innovation in the clean energy sector called the Energy Sector Innovation Credit (ESIC) is well-positioned to become law. Our Executive Director Rich Powell explains more about the bill in our latest whiteboard video. ESIC creates incentives for breakthrough innovation for power generation and storage technologies across the clean energy spectrum. It helps overcome initial financing hurdles associated with developing “first-of-a-kind” and nascent power generation technologies. In other news, Afghanistan, a nation rich in critical minerals needed for a clean energy future, is getting a lot of attention from China. Rich Powell explains in the Washington Examiner how supply chains for minerals like lithium are troublesome, and reason for more American innovation.
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September 3, 2021 – Bipartisan focus on CCUS – Advanced nuclear news – World’s largest DAC plant
A portfolio of carbon capture and carbon management bills are getting a bipartisan push by a group of House members led by Reps. David McKinley (R-WV) and Marc Veasey (D-TX) to be included in any infrastructure package. The members highlighted key, bipartisan legislation that would help achieve investment in carbon capture deployment. also this week, USNIC released the results of its 2021 Advanced Nuclear Survey, which includes responses from 17 advanced nuclear developers. Dozens of advanced nuclear reactors are under development around the world. A primer the Nuclear Innovation Alliance released, focusing on reactors underway in the U.S. and Canada. And lastly, Virginia-based Venture Global LNG and PGNiG (Polish Oil and Gas Company) finalized an agreement under which PGNiG will purchase an additional 2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Venture Global for 20 years.
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August 27, 2021 – Slowing Industrial Emissions — Offshore CCUS & DAC in Texas — Hydropower Celebrated
This week we launched our latest video entitled, “How to Slow Industrial Sector Emissions”, on four critical steps to decrease industrial emissions. Industrial sector emissions remain one of the most difficult and vital clean energy challenges, which is why ClearPath added this exciting challenge to our portfolio earlier this year. In other news, storing captured carbon offshore is real, and a new project site off the shore of Beaumont and Port Aurthur, Texas is able to sequester 225 – 275 million metric tons of CO2. Also this week, in honor of National Hydropower day, the National Hydropower Association shared a video with key facts about America’s first baseload renewable energy source: 7% of U.S. electricity and 90% of energy storage comes from hydropower, the equivalent of 30 million American homes are powered by hydropower and marine energy, an exciting innovation, has the potential to deploy 1 gigawatt by 2035.
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August 13, 2021 – Energy tax incentive for today – BIB passes – Conservatives respond to IPCC
A bipartisan group of Senators — including 19 Republicans — voted to pass the infrastructure bill this week — which includes monumental clean energy provisions and authorizations. Now that the Senate has passed the bipartisan infrastructure bill — what’s next? Enter the bipartisan, bicameral Energy Sector Innovation Credit, or ESIC for short. This novel proposal led by Sens. Crapo (R-ID) and Whitehouse (D-RI) and Reps. Reed (R-NY) and Panetta (D-CA) is different from energy tax incentives of yesterday, tailored to bring new technologies to commercialization. In other news, The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) working group 1 report came out this week and was focused on physical science. The working group 3 report, which will include clean energy technology recommendations, will be released next year.
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August 6, 2021 – Stalling emissions cuts — Big BIB energy innovations — Around-the-clock nuclear
This week we launched a report entitled, Clear Path to a Clean Energy Future, by senior ClearPath researcher Spencer Nelson, for sharp analysis and modeling of our most promising policies and technologies. Also this week we read the entire Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill (BIB) of the Senate’s bipartisan infrastructure bill so you don’t have to — check out our snap take on all the top energy provisions in our Twitter thread. In other news, a new bipartisan House proposal would let the government ink long-term Power Purchase Agreements with newly constructed nuclear reactors — a win-win for the sector and American energy independence.
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July 30, 2021 – Breakthrough energy tax credit — Why we need 45Q and ESIC — Speedy clean steel
Congress could be poised to pass the Energy Sector Innovation Credit, offering a path to commercialization for breakthrough clean energy technologies.
The bill establishes a technology-neutral, flexible investment tax credit (ITC) or production tax credit (PTC) for new approaches to everything from generation and storage to carbon capture. Also this week, our Executive Director Rich Powell testified before the House Climate Select Committee that today’s clean energy technology isn’t enough for global decarbonization, calling for investments in breakthroughs that offer both better performance and lower costs. In other news, the steel decarbonization bill Reps. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) and Conor Lamb (D-PA) introduced last week has already passed out of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
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July 23, 2021 – Breakthrough battery – Rich’s climate policy red flags – “Super” steel
FORM Energy unveiled its much anticipated, multi-day energy storage system in The Wall Street Journal — a technology that’s held promise for decades but never truly commercialized: iron-air batteries. Also this week, our Executive Director Rich Powell told the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia that U.S. climate policy must account for the region’s growing carbon footprint if we want any chance at reducing global emissions. In other news, the SUPER Act bill from Reps. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) and Conor Lamb (D-PA), who represent the heart of steel country, would invest in innovation to complement voluntary emissions reduction measures from America’s steel industry. By 2030, the industrial sector is on pace to pass power plants and vehicles as the top source of U.S. emissions — and steel manufacturing is a major contributor.
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July 16, 2021 – Infrastructure heads to the floor – Senate moves on nuclear – UK carbon capture
The bipartisan infrastructure framework that passed out of the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee Wednesday includes a slate of measures to boost clean energy innovation. Leader Schumer intends to bring the framework to the floor next week, and the final legislation could include provisions that will fund critical Energy Act of 2020 authorizations. Also this week, the American Nuclear Infrastructure Act was unveiled and marks a huge milestone in balancing the needs of America’s existing and next-gen reactors. In other news, NET Power is behind UK’s first net-zero power plant. The planned Whitetail Clean Energy station will capture and store its natural gas emissions offshore using technology from NET Power — a company based in North Carolina’s Research Triangle.
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July 2, 2021 – McCarthy’s climate task force — Innovation for the future — The R&D-to-market pipeline
Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA), ranking member of the House Climate Select Committee, will lead the new energy and climate task force, Leader McCarthy announced this week. Also this week, the House voted overwhelmingly to pass the DOE Science for the Future Act Monday — an effort years in the making to boost investments in key U.S. research facilities and kickstart clean energy technologies. In other news, Corporate partners pledged more than $35 million to commercialize 68 promising new projects — from clean energy and advanced manufacturing to next-gen materials — matching $30 million from the DOE.
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June 25, 2021 – Inside the Conservative Climate Caucus – CATCHing Carbon – “The best thing we can do”
On Wednesday of this week, almost 30% of House Republicans — 62 members and counting — have already signed on to the Conservative Climate Caucus. The swift support is no surprise. Republicans have made tremendous strides on climate change and have real solutions — ones that are technologically realistic, economically feasible, and politically sustainable. Also this week, a bipartisan group of senators introduced the CATCH Act, Coordinated Action to Capture Harmful Emissions, late Thursday — hot on the heels of the companion House bill. In other news, Senate ENR Committee Chairman Joe Manchin (D-WV) released a 400-page energy discussion draft late last week that would fund the Energy Act of 2020’s clean energy demonstration programs.
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June 18, 2021 – Democrats’ missing climate link — Hello HALEU — $27M for clean energy tech
The critical missing link in Democrats’ climate plans is streamlining the permitting process, according to the Aspen Institute’s latest report, “Building Cleaner, Faster” and our own Jena Lococo released a blog entitled “If You Permit It, They Will Build” explaining the we can reform permitting without weakening environmental protections, adding regulations or taxes, or cutting out public input. In other news, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) granted a license to Centrus Energy, a nuclear fuel supplier, is to start domestic production of HALEU — the nuclear equivalent of premium gasoline. Also this week, the “DOE Science for the Future Act” passed the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee this week — offering a path to scale up U.S. innovation through basic science funding.
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June 11, 2021 – Dose of H2 – Texas, Gulf Coast CCUS – Build Cleaner Faster
DOE announced a plan to roll out a series of goals to accelerate breakthroughs of more clean energy solutions this week. DOE’s new “Energy Earthshots” series and aims to reduce the cost of clean hydrogen by 80% from $5 to $1/kg over the next decade. The strategy builds on successful programs launched at DOE during the last administration — the Energy Storage Grand Challenge and the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. Also this week, a new Texas law cleared the way for the state to apply for primacy over the Environmental Protection Agency’s Class VI well program — wells used for the injection of carbon dioxide into deep rock formations for long-term sequestration. And in other news, infrastructure negotiations hit a snag this week as President Biden ended talks with Senate Republicans over their desire to keep the 2017 tax cuts intact, but there’s still hope for bipartisanship. The House Problem Solvers Caucus this week introduced a $1.25 trillion, bipartisan infrastructure framework hewing “closer to Biden’s baseline,” Roll Call reports.
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June 4, 2021 – Advanced Nuclear Milestone – Clean Energy Ministerial – Carbon Removal Momentum
This Wednesday of this week, TerraPower and PacifiCorp announced plans to build a Natrium™ reactor demonstration project at a retiring coal plant in Wyoming. Gov. Mark Gordon, Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) and U.S. Dept. of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm joined together for the announcement, which is one of the two reactor designs selected for the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP). Also this week, The Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) 12 kicked off on Monday and goes through June 6. In other news, the Independent Women’s Forum (IWF) podcast, She Thinks, interviewed Rich Powell on efforts to reduce global carbon dioxide emissions, and where there may be bipartisan agreement. Rich maps out an energy future that focuses on innovation, markets, and global solutions. He discusses where some get it wrong, what conservatives are doing right, and where both sides can agree.
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May 28, 2021 – Pumped Up for Pumped-storage Hydropower
This week, we released our latest Tech 101 entitled “America’s Energy Storage Workhorse, Pumped Hydro, at the Races Once Again”, by our Senior Program Director Alex Fitzsimmons. In the Tech 101, Alex explains that energy storage is widely recognized as a key clean technology for maintaining an affordable, reliable electric grid. But the largest source of energy storage is also the most overlooked: pumped storage hydropower – though with recent policy and project developments, pumped storage may finally start to get the credit it deserves. Also this week, Reps. Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) led a bipartisan group of House members in introducing the Coordinated Action to Capture Harmful (CATCH) Emissions Act, which would expand the 45Q carbon capture tax credits for industrial facilities and power plants. In other news, ClearPath Action Executive Director Rich Powell and Clean Air Task Force (CATF) Executive Director Armond Cohen penned an op-ed in Colorado Politics on how Colorado can lead the way in making the transition to 100% clean energy.
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May 21, 2021 – Big Data Turns to Advanced Geothermal
This week, Fervo Energy, a clean energy start-up, announced a partnership with Google to develop a next-generation geothermal power project. In 2022, this project will add always on, carbon-free, “firm” geothermal energy to the electric grid that serves Google’s data centers and infrastructure throughout Nevada. This collaboration also sets the stage for next-generation geothermal to play a key role as a firm and flexible resource that reduces global emissions. Next Wednesday, May 26, ClearPath Senior Program Director for Nuclear Energy Niko McMurray is joining the Versatile Test Reactor (VTR) Program and the Nuclear Energy Institute for a discussion about the VTR’s essential role in expanding U.S. research capabilities and supporting the next generation of nuclear power. And in other news, Illinois has until the end of the month to decide whether to keep four nuclear reactors online this year. New research out of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering (NPRE) department found Illinois’ nuclear plants are essential to providing carbon-free power in the state.
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May 14, 2021 – What’s Coming Down the Pipeline
This week, we discuss how more, not less pipelines are needed for clean energy. All analyses on transitions to a clean energy economy show that we’ll need literally tens of thousands of miles of new pipelines carrying hydrogen and other clean fuels, along with captured carbon dioxide away from power plants and industrial facilities. We’ll also need immense new transmission infrastructure to carry electricity around an increasingly electrified country, and a lot of new power plants sited everywhere. Also this week, Bloom Energy, a California-based energy company, and Baker Hughes, a Texas-based energy technology company, announced their intent to collaborate on the potential commercialization and deployment of integrated, low-carbon power generation and hydrogen solutions to reduce global carbon dioxide emissions. In other news, ClearPath Senior Research Director Spencer Nelson is joining Niskanen’s upcoming virtual event, Deep Decarbonization of the U.S. Industrial Sector, on May 20 at 11:00am. Spencer will discuss the impact of recently enacted clean industrial policies as well as future technology needs.
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May 7, 2021 – Game Changing Energy Sector Innovation Credit (ESIC)
This week, we released our latest blog entitled “Clean Hydrogen: A Trend Built for the Long Haul”, by ClearPath Policy Analyst Natalie Houghtalen. Hydrogen is making a ferocious comeback with a twist after going out of style nearly a decade ago. Instead of hydrogen-powered passenger cars, the hydrogen hype of today promises a holistic path for power, industrial, and transportation decarbonization. In other news, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell joined NewsmaxTV to examine President Biden’s first 100 days, executive orders and the proposed infrastructure package. Rich encouraged the Administration and Congress to focus on bipartisan clean energy innovation solutions. Also this week, his week, ClearPath joined more than 100 energy and environmental groups urging Congressional leaders and top appropriators to boost clean energy innovation at the U.S. Department of Energy. Signers included major industry associations such as the American Petroleum Institute, Edison Electric Institute, Nuclear Energy Institute, Portland Cement Association, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Solar Energy Industries Association, American Clean Power Association and many of their member companies.
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April 30, 2021 – Game Changing Energy Sector Innovation Credit (ESIC)
On Monday of this week, U.S. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Senate Finance Committee member Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released a discussion draft of the Energy Sector Innovation Credit (ESIC) Act, a bipartisan energy tax proposal to encourage innovation in the clean energy sector. Reps. Tom Reed (R-NY) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), who sponsored a bipartisan version of the bill last Congress, also released a discussion draft. Also this week, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell joined the House Republicans’ Energy Innovation Agenda conference to speak about why innovation for clean energy and industrial policy is the best solution for reducing global emissions. Rich highlighted successes in the Energy Act of 2020, some new policy ideas in the industrial sector for hydrogen, steel and concrete/cement, and other policies like the Energy Sector Innovation Credit and 45Q extensions. In other news, we released our latest blog, Fossil Industry is Finding Its Climate Footing by ClearPath Policy Analyst Jena Lococo that highlights America’s largest utilities, industrial manufacturers, agriculture companies, financial institutions and even tech leaders are increasingly making carbon capture a fundamental pillar of their long-term business strategies.
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April 23, 2021 – House GOP Releases Climate Solutions
This week, House Republicans rolled out the Energy Innovation Agenda: Conservative Solutions for a Better Climate with a suite of 30 bills in three key pillars: Innovation, Clean Energy Infrastructure and Natural Solutions and Conservation. The impressive rollout included a series of videos and blogs hosted on Republican Leader McCarthy’s official website, with more than 40 Members contributing. On Monday this week, Ways and Means Republicans David Schweikert (AZ), Brad Wenstrup (OH) and Carol Miller (WV) joined House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy in introducing legislation as a part of the House Republicans’ Energy Innovation Agenda. Schweikert, Wenstrup, and Miller’s legislation would significantly improve and permanently extend 45Q, the federal tax credit for carbon capture.
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April 16, 2021 – Clean Energy Innovation is Priceless
This week, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Budget in a hearing, “The Cost of Inaction on Climate Change.” In his testimony, Rich discussed America’s fiscally responsible approach to the global climate challenge and the need for goal-oriented investments in targeted bipartisan solutions, such as clean energy, like implementing the Energy Act of 2020. Also, 8 Rivers Capital, LLC (8 Rivers), the owner of NET Power, which is a game-changing, natural gas power plant technology start-up, made two exciting announcements this week. NET Power produces a first-of-a-kind gas power plant technology that captures all of its carbon — operating with zero emissions. And in other news, ClearPath released its new Metals policy page. The U.S. processes and uses six main types of metals: iron and steel, aluminum, ferroalloy, lead, magnesium, and zinc. Global demand for metals is expected to increase significantly over the next several decades, driven by rapid urbanization in nonindustrialized countries and as various sectors all over the world begin to adopt clean technology.
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April 9, 2021 – Give Republicans Climate Credit
Former House E&C Chairman Greg Walden and ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell wrote an op-ed for The Hill over the past
weekend explaining how Republicans have made tremendous strides on climate. Also this week, we launched a Cement and Concrete policy page. Cement and concrete are used in everything from roads to buildings. Since their time-tested recipes create a significant amount of carbon dioxide emissions as a byproduct, efforts are now underway to reduce the product’s carbon footprint. Around the world, about eight percent of carbon emissions can be traced back to cement and concrete production. In other news, ClearPath Policy Managing Director Jeremy Harrell joined Dave Gardy on Nuclear Energy TV for a special presentation in preparation for the United States Nuclear Industry Council (USNIC) Advanced Reactor Summit. Jeremy discussed the need for advanced nuclear reactors to meet global emissions reduction targets, the global market for advanced nuclear technologies, the U.S. regulatory framework, and political support for these technologies.
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April 2, 2021 – A Clean Energy Road Map
Congress recently passed one of the biggest advancements in clean energy and climate policy in over a decade – the monumental Energy Act of 2020. Tucked away in the 5,000 page end of year omnibus was a wholly bipartisan, clean energy innovation roadmap. Watch ClearPath’s latest whiteboard video where Rich Powell explains what’s in the Energy Act and why it’s so important. Also this week, ClearPath welcomed the announcement by Energy Northwest, Grant County Public Utility District and X-energy, LLC that they have established a mutual partnership, called the TRi Energy Partnership, to support the development and commercial demonstration of X-energy’s advanced nuclear reactor, the Xe-100. In October 2020, X-energy was selected along with TerraPower’s Natrium for the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP), based on the feasibility that they can be licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, meet an aggressive demonstration timeline, and be cost-competitive.
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March 26, 2021 – Clean Energy is Popular with Voters
This week, The Washington Examiner reported on new ClearPath Action polling which found that support for expanding clean energy is growing across party lines. The polling includes an analysis of the 3,000 person nationwide poll for every Congressional District and State. Also this week, Senators Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV) and Tina Smith (D-MN) led the bipartisan reintroduction of The Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Tax Credit Amendments Act to modify the 45Q and 48A tax credits for carbon capture technologies. The CCUS Tax Credit Amendments Act would allow carbon capture technologies to advance further for wide-scale deployment and is crucial for the U.S. to lead innovation in reducing and abating carbon emissions.
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March 19, 2021 – Securing Cleaner American Energy
Earlier this week, Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Committee Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Republican Leader of the Energy Subcommittee Fred Upton (R-MI), and Republican Leader of the Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee David McKinley (R-WV) unveiled their plan to secure America’s energy future and global competitive edge against China. Also this week, we released Steel 101 by ClearPath Policy Analyst Savita Bowman. Metals are an integral part of our society. Ranging from basic steels to high-performance alloys, they are a necessary resource in transporting electricity on the grid, constructing buildings, producing everyday kitchen and household items, creating bridges and tunnels, and building trains, cars and even planes. On Wednesday of this week, ClearPath Action welcomed the bipartisan, bicameral reintroduction of the Storing CO2 and Lowering Emissions “SCALE” Act, led by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Chris Coons (D-DE) in the Senate and Representatives David McKinley (R-WV) and Marc Veasey (D-TX) in the House. This legislation would provide much needed resources to build out new carbon capture infrastructure, develop carbon storage hubs and support emerging technologies that will drive emissions reductions across industries, and create good-paying jobs.
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March 12, 2021 – Permitting Program Crucial for Carbon Capture’s Success
The success of the rapidly growing number of carbon capture projects hinges on the ability to timely obtain a single permit – the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI permit. Read more in our latest blog, “The Permitting Program Crucial for Carbon Capture’s Success,” by ClearPath Policy Analyst Jena Lococo. This week, former World Bank Group Executive Director representing the United States, Jennifer D. “DJ” Nordquist, joined our Advisory Board. Currently, Ms. Nordquist is a Fellow at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. Also this week, Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) introduced the bipartisan Energy Storage Tax Incentive and Deployment Act, which would extend the investment tax credit to energy storage technologies. A companion bill was introduced in the House by Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL).
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March 5, 2021 – Build Cleaner Faster
We’ve all heard The Biden Administration’s mission to “Build Back Better,” but right now, we can only build new clean energy projects and reduce CO2 emissions as fast as we can permit new projects. If we are to truly build back better, the mission ought to be Build Cleaner Faster. This week, we released the latest ClearPath Whiteboard Video: Build Cleaner Faster where Rich Powell explains why speed is real priority. Also this week, Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Committee Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) introduced the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act 101. In other news, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Ranking Member Frank Lucas recently announced the Republican Subcommittee rosters for the 117th Congress.
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February 26, 2021 – ClearPath Joins SHOWTIME’s The Circus On Climate
This week was a busy week at ClearPath! Executive Director Rich Powell joined Mark McKinnon for the SHOWTIME series The Circus, highlighting clean energy innovation and discussing how Republicans in Congress are leading on climate change solutions with more innovation, not burdensome regulation or taxation. Also this week, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell wrote a column for Morning Consult highlighting five big clean energy policies that already have bipartisan support and would ensure a reliable power sector. And on Thursday, February 25, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies in a hearing entitled, “Strategies for Energy and Climate Innovation.” Rich’s testimony focused on the need to continue with a goal-oriented, public-private investment strategy as the United States seeks to remain the leader in clean energy innovation. We also released a Cement and Concrete 101 by ClearPath Program Director Justin Ong. Did you know around the world, cement and concrete production alone makes up about 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions?
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February 19, 2021 – Greg Walden Joins ClearPath Advisory Board
This week, former House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) joined our Advisory Board. Currently, Walden and his wife, Mylene, own MSW Communications. On Thursday of this week, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powelll testified before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy in a hearing entitled, “A Smarter Investment: Pathways to a Clean Energy Future.” Rich’s testimony did a level-set on where we are today, including the evolving situation in Texas, policy to achieve a clean power future affordably and reliably, and looked at options to reduce U.S. industrial emissions. Also this week, Reps. David McKinley (R-WV) and Marc Veasey (D-TX) reintroduced the Accelerating Carbon Capture and Extending Secure Storage through 45Q (ACCESS 45Q) Act (H.R.1062).
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February 12, 2021 – ClearPath to Tackle Industrial Sector
This week, we released our latest blog, “Why ClearPath is Tackling the Industrial Sector,” by Executive Director Rich Powell. In the blog, we discuss how we are excited to add the industrial sector to our portfolio. Combined with the power sector, this really expands our scope – going from tackling a quarter of U.S. carbon emissions to half. We also released a new Tech 101 piece, entitled “Hydrogen 101,” by ClearPath Policy Analyst Natalie Houghtalen. It’s been nearly 20 years since hydrogen has gotten as much press and attention as it is today – a resurgence likely due to the revelation that more than the electricity sector must be decarbonized to tackle climate change. In other news, Dynamo Energy Hub is hosting an event that will bring together policy experts, investors, project developers, and ClearPath’s managing director of policy, Jeremy Harrell, to discuss key policies and financial innovation pathways that will help accelerate investment in clean energy projects as part of economic recovery. This event will be held on Thursday, March 11 from 11:00am – 12:00pm ET, and is co-sponsored by ClearPath.
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February 5, 2021 – Former DOE Official Joins ClearPath Advisory Board
ClearPath announced Paul Dabbar, former Department of Energy (DOE) Under Secretary for Science, has joined its Advisory Board. Paul Dabbar is currently Chairman and CEO of Bohr Quantum Technologies, where he is developing and deploying technologies for the emerging quantum internet. Also this week, we released our latest blog, “Clean Energy Manufacturing Should be Done in America, Not China,” by Senior Program Director Alex Fitzsimmons. In the blog Alex discusses why we are constantly seeking solutions to make sure clean energy innovation promotes U.S. jobs, growth, and security. In other news, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell joined Jason Bordoff, host of the Columbia Energy Exchange podcast, to discuss what to expect in climate policy moving forward, particularly on the Republican side of the aisle.
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January 29, 2021 – Senate Energy Committee Staffer Rejoins ClearPath
This week, ClearPath announced Spencer Nelson has rejoined as Senior Research Director. In this role, Spencer will be responsible for building and launching a new research function at ClearPath, focused on developing and publishing external writing, analysis, and modeling on U.S. decarbonization, with a focus on the power sector. Also this week, we published our latest blog, “A Grand Opportunity for Energy Storage,” by Senior Program Director Alex Fitzsimmons. In the blog Alex explains the need for more innovation to ensure the reliable integration of renewables into an evolving electric grid. In other news, Christopher T. Hanson was appointed as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s 18th Chairman, effective immediately. Hanson replaces Kristine L. Svinicki, who departed the agency on Jan. 20, 2021, after serving as Chairman since 2017.
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January 22, 2021 – 5 Bipartisan Clean Energy Policies for the 117th Congress
As the 117th Congress is gearing up, see the five big clean energy policies that have bipartisan support. Also, The Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, the premiere international gathering of government, industry, held a week-long forum that included CEO’s from some of the world’s largest energy companies and world energy leaders. This week, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff proposed a major rulemaking to update the environmental review process. If enacted with a vote by the Commission, the rulemaking would create a streamlined path for advanced reactor environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). In other news, The Associated Press recently reported that 8 Rivers Capital and the Canadian city of Estevan are looking at the feasibility for a commercial-scale NET Power carbon capture plant.
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January 15, 2021 – Parting Gifts for Carbon Capture, from the 116th Congress
This week, ClearPath Program Director Justin Ong and Policy Analyst Jena Lococo published a blog detailing carbon capture hitting a policy trifecta: new, aggressive R&D authorizations, a carbon capture tax credit (“45Q”) extension, and final Administrative rules on how project developers can properly claim the 45Q credit. Carbon capture enjoyed a winter flurry of federal policy victories in the waning days of 2020 and at the start of 2021. Also this week, Republicans added eight new members to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. In other news, ClearPath is scheduled to participate in Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Forum.
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January 8, 2021 – Former ExxonMobil Engineer Joins ClearPath
This week, ClearPath announced Jena Lococo has joined the team as a Policy Analyst. She will work across ClearPath’s clean energy technology portfolio, with a focus on carbon capture, utilization, and storage, petrochemicals, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, and regulatory reforms that can accelerate technology deployment. In other news, the Energy Act of 2020 that passed in December is a monumental clean energy authorization package including a number of clean energy innovation bills that together will reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. and globally. Also, the main federal tax credit for carbon capture (otherwise dubbed “45Q”) projects received two major boosts over the last two weeks. Congress extended the credit for two years as part of the December stimulus package and the IRS also released its final rules on how taxpayers could claim the credit.
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December 18, 2020 – Breakthrough Energy Deal
This week, it has been reported that congressional leaders have agreed on a clean energy package that reconciles the Senate’s American Energy Innovation Act (S. 2657) and the House’s Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act (H.R. 4447). As reported, the final legislation will lead to smarter, more targeted investments by the Department of Energy focused on outcomes, and the resulting technological innovation will provide options for both American and global energy systems to go clean and address the global emissions reduction challenges. Stay tuned. On Wednesday this week, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) awarded $30 million in Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) funding for Risk Reduction for Future Demonstration projects, the second pathway under its Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP). In other news, The Norwegian government this week approved the final investment decision for the Northern Lights carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) project, a full-scale CCS project which includes capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial capture sources in the Oslo-fjord region. Phase one of the project is expected to be completed in 2024 with a storage capacity of up to 1.5 million tons per year of CO2.
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December 11, 2020 – Bipartisan 45Q Legislation
This week, Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), John Hoeven (R-ND), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced the 45Q Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Tax Credit Amendments Act of 2020. This bipartisan legislation would provide for direct pay, a five-year extension and a Base Erosion Avoidance Tax (BEAT) fix for 45Q. And on Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed by voice vote the Reliable Investment in Vital Energy Reauthorization (RIVER) Act (H.R. 3361), led by Rep. David McKinley (R-WV), which would bolster U.S. leadership on renewable hydropower energy. Also this week, The New Atlantis published a new column, “In What Sense Abundant? Debating climate, renewal, and American decadence,” which published responses to Matt Frost’s “After Climate Despair,” [Fall 2019] column, including from ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell.
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December 4, 2020 – Senior DOE Official Joins ClearPath
This week, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency at the U.S. Department of Energy Alex Fitzsimmons joined ClearPath this week as a Senior Program Director. He will work across ClearPath’s clean energy technology portfolio, with a focus on energy storage, renewable energy technologies, advanced manufacturing, and critical minerals policies. We also released our latest whiteboard video this week, “Clean Energy Marshall Plan,” which proposes that we can make our energy sector cleaner AND more reliable here in the U.S. and around the globe, while making the American economy even stronger. Also this week, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) was selected by the House Republican Steering Committee to serve as the next E&C Republican Leader, beginning in the 117th Congress. She will be the first female of either party to hold this title.
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November 20, 2020 – Barrasso & Capito to Lead Key Senate Committees
This week, Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) announced his intent to become the top Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, moving from his spot as Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) is term-limited. That also paved the way for Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) to step in and lead the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee. Earlier this week, Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the American Nuclear Infrastructure Act of 2020 (S. 4897), which would enable U.S. international leadership, preserve America’s nuclear fuel supply chain, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen our economic, energy, and national security. We also released our latest blog this week, “America: the Trusted Partner for Nuclear Energy Exports,” by ClearPath Policy Analyst Cole Simons.
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November 13, 2020 – FY21 Senate Appropriations to Boost Clean Energy Innovation
On Tuesday of this week, the Senate Appropriations Committee released their Fiscal Year 2021 draft Committee reports, which include a number of important clean energy priorities in the U.S. Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Interior, and the Defense Department. Also this week, we released a new whiteboard video about a moonshot goal of bringing advanced nuclear technology to market just became reality with the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, or ARDP. Congratulations to the two companies who were selected for the ARDP: TerraPower and X-energy! And in other news, BWX Technologies, Inc., one of the largest and most diverse nuclear fuel producers in the world, on Tuesday announced its BWXT Nuclear Operations Group, Inc. subsidiary has completed its TRIstructural-ISOtropic (TRISO) nuclear fuel line restart project and is actively producing fuel at its Lynchburg, VA facility.
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November 6, 2020 – Key Clean Energy Leaders Returning for 117th Congress
There is still plenty to digest with the election results, but also a few key outcomes that bode extremely well for clean energy innovation in the 117th Congress. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) will return as a key member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Her BEST Act counterpart in the U.S. House, Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), also won re-election. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), who has championed various carbon capture innovation efforts. Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) made clean energy innovation a key message of his platform and is the U.S. House leader of the LEADING Act. Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY) will be returning and is the author of the Energy Sector Innovation Credit (ESIC) Act. In other news, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell is participating in a breakout session at the Texas Energy Summit titled, “Policies to Extend Texas’ Leadership in Hydrogen, CCUS, and Direct Air Capture.” Also the week, London-based CORE POWER on Monday announced its participation in an international team with Southern Company, TerraPower, and Orano USA to develop Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) technology in the United States.
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October 30, 2020 – ClearPath & Foreign Policy Partner on Innovation, Exports Event
It was announced this week that Foreign Policy magazine and ClearPath will be hosting a discussion on November 18 amongst private and public sector thought leaders about driving innovation and exports in the US clean energy market to bolster domestic economic growth and reduce global carbon emissions. This week, E&E reported on who may lead the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, one of Capitol Hill’s most powerful energy and environment positions next year. Also this week, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell participated in a Society of Environmental Journalists webinar, “Covering Climate, COVID-19 and the Election — Opinion Polls and Voters’ Guides on Environmental Issues,” and discussed the unique role environmental issues are playing in the 2020 election season, how Republicans lawmakers have been leading on clean energy solutions, and how Republican voters see clean energy as an important issue for their representatives to care about.
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October 23, 2020 – CCUS Credit Big Returns for Power & Industrial Sector
This week, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell was a keynote presenter at the 2020 CarbonX Summit, an event hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy as part of their InnovationXLab series. Rich shared analyses ClearPath recently did with the Rhodium Group that shows a permanent extension of the 45Q tax credit could drive CO2 emissions reductions from power plants and industrial facilities across more than 30 states. On Monday, U.S. Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette and Poland’s Secretary of State for Strategic Energy Infrastructure Piotr Naimski signed the first Intergovernmental Agreement to cooperate on the development of Poland’s civil nuclear power program. Next Wednesday, October 28, ClearPath and the Clean Air Task Force (CATF) are hosting a webinar that will feature these universities. Dr. Rita Baranwal, Assistant Secretary for Office of Nuclear Energy, and representatives from Abilene Christian University, the University of Illinois, and the University of Tennessee Knoxville will talk about this exciting work.
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October 16, 2020 – It’s Happening… US to Build Two New Advanced Nuclear Reactors
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on Tuesday selected TerraPower LLC (Bellevue, WA) and X-energy (Rockville, MD) to receive $80 million each in initial funding to build two advanced nuclear reactors that can be operational within seven years under the new Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP). On Wednesday, Microsoft signed a memorandum of understanding with Equinor ASA, Norway’s government-owned oil company, to serve as the technology partner for the Northern Lights initiative. Microsoft pitched its involvement as a way to research and develop new carbon capture technologies. Also this week, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA) led 29 of their colleagues in a bipartisan letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, urging them to include the text of the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act (S. 903/H.R. 3306) in the final Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
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October 9, 2020 – What does the 2020 Election mean for Clean Energy?
This week ClearPath announced that it is co-hosting the National Hydropower Association’s Path to Clean Energy Virtual Event, “What does the 2020 Election mean for Clean Energy?” Also this week, Alex Gilbert, a Project Manager at the Nuclear Innovation Alliance, and ClearPath’s Niko McMurray wrote a column examining how private sector innovators are currently paving the way for advanced reactors to begin producing clean energy. On October 13, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell will join the Milken Institute for a discussion on climate change and the subsequent consequences that have led to high-profile energy companies examining their product portfolios and making net-zero commitments.
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October 2, 2020 – ClearPath testifies at House Climate Select Committee
This week ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell testified before the House Select Committee on the Crisis on, “Creating a Climate Resilient America: Strengthening the U.S. Financial System and Expanding Economic Opportunity.” We also added a blog to go along with our latest whiteboard video, “A Carbon Capture Credit with Huge Returns” that puts in perspective exactly how big of a difference carbon capture and an extended 45Q credit can make, with the credit set to expire in December 2023. Also this week, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell wrote an op-ed in C3 News Magazine outlining Republicans’ real, innovative, free-market solutions for the energy sector. Also, the Vanguard Group, one of the largest fund companies in the world, announced this week a new exchange traded fund (ETF) that will focus exclusively on Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) investing. Coal and nuclear power are among the industries they say they will screen out.
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September 25, 2020 – A Carbon Capture Credit with Huge Returns
This week we released our latest whiteboard video, “A Carbon Capture Credit with Huge Returns” that puts in perspective exactly how big of a difference carbon capture and an extended 45Q credit can make, with the credit set to expire in December 2023. Also this week, the House voted 220-185, largely on party lines, to pass an energy package, the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act. On Tuesday of this week, the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis Ranking Member Garret Graves (R-LA) introduced a new House Republican regulatory reform bill, H.R. 8333, the Building U.S. Infrastructure through Limited Delays & Efficient Reviews (BUILDER) Act. On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) approved Critical Decision 1 for the Versatile Test Reactor (VTR) project.
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September 18, 2020 – Carbon Capture Technology Is Not Just for Coal and Gas
This week ClearPath Policy Analyst Savita Bowman released a blog entitled, “Carbon Capture Technology Is Not Just for Coal and Gas” that explains how the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded significant funding to kickstart commercial industrial carbon capture projects. Next week, the House is expected to vote on an energy package, the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act that combines a number of energy-related bills – several of which are bipartisan, and adds several regulations to the package, among other things. Also, TerraPower and GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) recently announced the launch of a new reactor and energy system architecture called Natrium.
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September 11, 2020 – Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) Starts Next Week
Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) kicks off as an online event this year, everyone will be able to participate! The Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), was created to bring top energy officials of major economies together to share best practices and promote policies and programs that encourage and facilitate the transition to a global clean energy economy. In ClearPath news, Rich Powell, Executive Director of ClearPath, was named to the The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) 2020-21 Advisory Committee for a second term. And in other news the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule to grant the state of Wyoming “primacy” to issue permits for carbon sequestration wells, known as Class VI wells. Also, Dominion Energy announced it filed with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a 20-year extension, from 60 to 80 years, of the operating licenses for the two units at its North Anna nuclear power plant in Virginia.
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September 4, 2020 – ClearPath Adds Business Analyst To Policy Team
This week, Savita Bowman joined ClearPath as a Policy Analyst. She will work across ClearPath’s clean energy technology portfolio, with a focus on energy storage, carbon capture, and direct air capture policies. Also this week, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy announced two carbon capture funding opportunities. In other news, TerraPower and GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) recently announced the launch of a new reactor and energy system architecture called Natrium. On September 14, ClearPath will host a webinar with experts from the two companies to release the design and explain how they intend to commercialize nuclear stations within the next 10 years.
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August 28, 2020 – US must counteract China’s rapidly increasing carbon emissions
This week, Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) and ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell penned a joint op-ed in the Washington Examiner, highlighting the need to counter China’s environmental record and its growing global energy influence. On Thursday, TerraPower and GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) announced the launch of a new reactor and energy system architecture called Natrium. Also this week, Battelle Energy Alliance (BEA) has initiated contract negotiations with a team including TerraPower and GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy – and led by Bechtel National Inc. (BNI) – to support the design and build phase of the Versatile Test Reactor (VTR).
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August 14, 2020 – Integrated Energy Systems — How Flexible Nuclear Could Make More $
This week, ClearPath released it’s latest blog entitled “Integrated Energy Systems: Getting More From Our Nuclear Workhorses” that talks about an integrated energy system that can increase the flexibility of nuclear reactors while making such flexibility not only cost neutral, but revenue-generating. ClearPath also released a new Introduction to Hydropower Energy 101 piece and learn some facts about hydropower you probably didn’t know. In other news, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Dan Brouillette and Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) was at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) for the site dedication of the Grid Storage Launchpad (GSL) and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on energy storage with the Washington State Department of Commerce.
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August 7, 2020 – New Video: Charting a Path to Net-Zero, a CO Carbon Capture Startup Success Story
In the latest ClearPath video, Rich Powell explains how ION Clean Energy’s first commercial project could capture more than 4 million tons of carbon emissions each year, the equivalent of taking nearly a million cars off the road. He also describes how the Colorado start-up partnered with the Department of Energy to test and refine its “secret sauce.” This week, ClearPath Policy Analyst Cole Simons explains how breaking the restriction on nuclear energy is imperative for next generation clean energy, in a column, “Nuclear Energy Export Financing Unchained.” Also this week, GreenBiz published an op-ed by ClearPath’s Managing Director of Policy, Jeremy Harrell, that articulates how disjointed regulatory policies, incumbency advantages and limited financing options have previously stymied the adoption of cutting-edge, first-of-a-kind energy technologies.
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July 31, 2020 – Clean Energy Innovators Growing Support for Hydrogen
ClearPath and LucidCatalyst hosted a webinar entitled, “Flexible Nuclear in Future Energy Systems,” on Monday, August 3 at 11:00am EDT. Panelists, including ClearPath’s Executive Director Rich Powell, will discuss findings from the newly published LucidCatalyst study, which derived the maximum allowable capital cost for advanced reactors by modeling their performance in four of the major power markets in the U.S. in 2034. On Wednesday, July 29, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that five projects will receive up to $28 million to promote the advancement of the next generation of geothermal energy technologies. And in other news this week, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Lisa Murkowski’s (R-AK) bipartisan American Mineral Security Act (S. 1317) was included in new legislation proposed by Senate Republicans to help the U.S. recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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July 24, 2020 – DFC Modernizes Nuclear Energy Policy
This week, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced a change to its Environmental and Social Policy and Procedures (ESPP) to allow the financing of nuclear power projects. This announcement follows a 30-day public comment period on the proposed change – ClearPath, along with 40 other organizations and individuals submitted a comment letter supporting the lifting of the ban. Also this week, the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) National Defense Act Authorization (NDAA) by a vote of 86-14. Included in the bill was the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act (NELA) (S. 903), which adds several important national security-related provisions to the NDAA. Last Friday, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy (FE) announced $118 million in funding for the Coal FIRST (Flexible, Innovative, Resilient, Small, Transformative) initiative.
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July 17, 2020 – NEPA Reform Reduces Unnecessary Regulatory Hurdles for Clean Energy
This week, the White House’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) finalized regulations regarding the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which would reduce red tape from strict regulations on a number of clean energy development projects. Also this week, former Vice President Joe Biden announced a plan calling for a $2 trillion investment over four years on climate change and a mandate to fully decarbonize the U.S. power sector by 2035, which reportedly was crafted with a task force that included Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). The House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis Republican Leader Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA) released a statement in regards to Biden’s plan. And in other news, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released the Energy Storage Grand Challenge Draft Roadmap and a Request for Information (RFI) seeking input.
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July 10, 2020 – Advancing Important Legislation for Clean Energy Innovation
This week, the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development marked up the Fiscal Year 2021 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies funding bill for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of the Interior programs, the Department of Energy (DOE), and other related agencies. Also this week, ClearPath, along with Connie Lausten, an engineer and founder of cLausten LLC, published an Energy 101: Introduction to Hydropower this week to go deeper on the history and benefits of hydropower. And also, Rich recently joined Palisade Radio and discussed a number of issues including U.S. supply chain issues, grid storage tech, changing public opinion, making nuclear more appealing, and nuclear fuel, types and test reactors.
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July 3, 2020 – Embracing Energy Independence
Several bipartisan energy and environment bills have joined the Senate’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act (NELA) (S. 903), which would bolster advanced nuclear technologies. The Senate is scheduled to take up the NDAA as soon as July 13. Also this week, Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR), Energy Subcommittee Republican Leader Fred Upton (R-MI), and Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee Republican Leader John Shimkus (R-IL) introduced several energy infrastructure bills aimed to ensure continued U.S. energy independence. On Tuesday, the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis released a Democrat staff report that misses on a bipartisan opportunity. On Monday, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) introduced the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act, which would expand clean, renewable, reliable, and affordable hydropower production in America and promote the innovation of the next generation of hydroelectric technology.
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June 26, 2020 – The Push for NELA to be Included in NDAA
On Thursday, June 25, a bipartisan group of 20 senators led by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) sent a letter to Senate Armed Services Committee Leadership, urging the inclusion of the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act (NELA) (S. 903) in the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Also, in his latest whiteboard video, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell outlines a technology ClearPath is following called direct air capture (“DAC”). DAC technology uses machines to literally pull carbon dioxide molecules back out of the air. To learn more about the potential of this technology. In other news, House Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) penned an op-ed for Fox News on how Republicans have a better way to fight climate change: through American innovation.
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June 19, 2020 – ClearPath Lays Out Clean Energy Policy Response to COVID-19’s Energy Impact
On Tuesday, June 16, Rich Powell, ClearPath Executive Director, was the Republican witness at The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy hearing entitled, “Reviving our Economy: COVID-19’s Impact on the Energy Sector.” See more about the hearing. On Monday, June 15, California-based Oklo announced its combined license application, the first for an advanced fission technology, was accepted by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The historic acceptance of Oklo’s application signifies a breakthrough in the commercialization of carbon-free advanced fission technologies. And in other news, oil & gas majors (OGMs) could be well-equipped to invest in the development of small modular reactor and advanced reactor (SM&AR) designs.
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June 12, 2020 – Rich Powell to Testify on COVID-19’s Impact on Energy Sector
On Tuesday, June 12, Rich Powell, ClearPath Executive Director, testified as the Republican witness at The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy hearing at 12:00pm entitled, “Reviving our Economy: COVID-19’s Impact on the Energy Sector.” On Wednesday, June 10, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced it is lifting the prohibition on financing civilian nuclear energy exports and will commence a 30-day comment period on the rulemaking. Also this week, ClearPath posted another Energy 101, entitled Supply Chain for Lithium and Critical Minerals Is … Critical by ClearPath Policy Fellow Cameron Tarry on the supply chain challenges for the clean energy industry.
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June 5, 2020 – Bold American Strategy to Lead on Nuclear Energy
This week RealClear Energy published an op ed by Rich where he breaks down the Administration’s long view that a strong nuclear fuel supply industry will not exist without a thriving, growing demand for fuel. In other news, Two large industrial plants in Canada, connected to the Alberta Carbon Trunk Line (ACTL), have become the world’s 20th and 21st large-scale carbon capture and storage facilities in operation. According to the Global CCS Institute, the two facilities have a combined capture and storage capacity of around 1.6 million tons annually. The ACTL pipeline could become the largest CCS network in the world when operating at full capacity. Lastly, the U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette recently published an op-ed on DefenseOne.com on how important nuclear energy is to national security.
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May 29, 2020 – Power Giant Pledges Net-Zero by 2050
Southern Company at its annual stakeholder meeting on Wednesday, May 27 announced an emissions reduction goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Southern Company is one of the largest producers of electricity in the United States and the largest wholesale provider in the Southeast. And on Thursday, May 28 the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released long-awaited proposed rules on how project developers can qualify for carbon capture tax credits known as 45Q by securely storing or utilizing carbon captured from power plants, industrial facilities and the atmosphere. Also, check out ClearPath’s latest blog on why we need the Versatile Test Reactor (VTR), Let’s Show the World We’re Serious About Nuclear Energy, by Nuclear Program Director Niko McMurray.
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May 22, 2020 – Restore American Nuclear Energy Leadership, Event Next Week
This week, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Industry, ClearPath, the Center for Strategic & International Studies, and other stakeholders announced a web event to discuss the Administration’s Nuclear Fuel Working Group Report outlining a Strategy to Restore American Nuclear Energy Leadership. Also, Equinor ASA, Royal Dutch Shell PLC and Total SA announced a first-of-its-kind project capturing carbon dioxide from multiple emitters, and transporting and storing the gas underneath the North Sea. Meanwhile, Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN) authored a piece on the importance of strengthening the U.S. nuclear energy industry and preserving American leadership around the world.
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May 15, 2020 – Advanced Reactor Demo Program Becomes Reality
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) this week announced the launch of the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP) within the Office of Nuclear Energy (NE). ARDP will help domestic private industry demonstrate advanced nuclear reactors in the United States. Also this week, Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) and Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) released an agenda to ensure American leadership in emerging technology to beat China and other challenges to global competitiveness. Plus, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) announced they are moving forward on modernizing the Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) regulations for new nuclear reactor designs.
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May 8, 2020 – ClearPath Adds to Communications Team
ClearPath announced Emily Johnson has joined as a Communications and External Affairs Associate. Emily will work closely with both the policy and government affairs teams as well as execute external affairs and communications initiatives. In other news, a major milestone for small advanced nuclear reactors to reach commercialization will be the adoption of a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Fortunately, the timeline is still being streamlined and the NRC announced they will be seeking public comment and holding a webinar to gather information that would assist the agency in drafting a GEIS for small advanced reactor designs. Also this week, The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) launched a “Strengthening American Competitiveness” initiative by kicking off a series of teleconferences with American businesses and stakeholders, on how the bank will support “Made in the U.S.A.” exports.
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May 1, 2020 – Utility Climate Report Shows Need for Clean Energy Demonstrations
This week, Duke Energy released a blueprint for reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, a commitment they made last fall. ClearPath’s Executive Director, Rich Powell said the Duke Energy 2020 Climate Report shows a strong commitment to their nuclear fleet and advanced nuclear, innovations in energy storage and carbon capture. Plus, ClearPath’s Cameron Tarry published this 101 piece exploring how fusion works, what has happened lately, and why fusion could help reduce emissions. Also this week, The European Union’s Energy Commission published recommendations on the EU Taxonomy on sustainable finance in March.
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April 24, 2020 – DOE Strategy to Restore American Nuclear Energy Leadership
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released the Nuclear Fuel Working Group Report outlining a Strategy to Restore American Nuclear Energy Leadership. ClearPath endorsed the strategy to create new clean energy market opportunities. Also this week, Rich joined The International CCS Knowledge Center in their video series “Lead. Care. Adapt.” video series discussing his outlook for clean energy innovation and carbon capture projects in the COVID era. Plus, The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released a report, “Safe Geologic Storage of Captured Carbon Dioxide: Two Decades of DOE’s Carbon Storage R&D Program in Review.”
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April 17, 2020 – The Renewable Oldies but Goodies: Hydropower & Geothermal
This week ClearPath published a new blog entitled, The Renewable Oldies but Goodies: Hydropower & Geothermal. The blog discusses the “oldies but goodies” — in the case of renewable energy, that’s hydropower and geothermal. Also, NuScale presented a revision to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) for its Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) Sizing Methodology Topical Report, an approach that could create a precedent for other nuclear reactor companies. Also this week, conservative think-tank Heritage Foundation published a piece on the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) plan to demonstrate a microreactor.
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April 10, 2020 – Carbon Capture Now a Jobs Lifeline, Thanks to 45Q Credit
This week ClearPath launched a new blog named “Carbon Capture Now a Jobs Lifeline, Thanks to 45Q Credit”. The blog is about capture carbon being on the cusp of major developments and was written by ClearPath’s Justin Ong. Also this week, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) made two funding opportunity announcements (FOA) this week. These opportunities are critical to help technologies cross the valley of death from design to commercialization. In other news, ARPA-E’s second fusion program, Breakthroughs Enabling THermonuclear-fusion Energy (BETHE), announced $32 million in awards this week to projects developing low-cost fusion systems.
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April 3, 2020 – EPA Moves To Allow More Carbon Capture Project Permits in Wyoming
This week the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed a rule granting Wyoming “primacy” to issue permits for carbon dioxide injection wells for dedicated storage projects under EPA’s Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI well programs. And on Monday April 6, ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell will join a panel hosted by the Atlantic Council entitled: COVID-19: Clean energy and climate impacts. Also this week, ClearPath and the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation partnered on a report Harnessing Heat: How the Federal Government Can Advance Geothermal Energy. In other news, the Department of Energy announced plans to provide up to $22 million for direct air capture technology breakthroughs as well as a $22 million funding opportunity for non-federal research and development (R&D) and expanded testing capacity to advance the marine energy industry.
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March 27, 2020 – Cleaner, Safer, Cheaper Energy
The Global America Business Institute published a report this week making the case for why international partnerships would be beneficial for Versatile Test Reactor (VTR) costs as well as maintaining U.S. leadership in nuclear energy. The piece highlights the benefits of competition against Russia’s test reactor, and how we can work with allies like France, Japan and South Korea. In other news, ClearPath’s Rich Powell joined the National Review podcast, “The Editors,” with Rich Lowery recently. In the 45 minute episode “Cleaner, Safer, Cheaper Energy,” Rich lays out the ClearPath vision and answers specific questions on why Republicans are embracing clean energy innovation policies. Also this week, Rich and Rocky Mountain Institute’s James Newcomb published an op-ed in Morning Consult encouraging the federal government’s continued investments in grid scale energy storage.
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March 20, 2020 – ClearPath Adds To Team
ClearPath has welcomed two new additions in our Washington DC office. Maggie Carroll joins as the Chief of Staff to ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell and Shelly Jackson joins as Office Manager at our DC townhouse. Also, ClearPath’s Managing Director of Policy, Jeremy Harrell, has been nominated to serve as Chairman of the Executive Board to the U.S. Nuclear Industry Council, a leading U.S. business consortium advocate for nuclear energy and promotion of the American supply chain globally. And in other news, Louisiana-based G2 Net-Zero LNG announced plans to build the world’s first net-zero natural gas liquefaction export complex. The project includes clean energy partners like Siemens Energy, Inc., NET Power LLC, EJM Associates LLC, and 8 Rivers Capital LLC.
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March 13, 2020 – Pentagon Embracing Advanced Nuclear
In the latest ClearPath blog, Nuclear Program Director Niko McMurray explains why the recent U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) plan to demonstrate a microreactor is so important for the industry. Also, the U.S. Senate could not reach agreement on several key amendments to end debate on the American Energy Innovation Act (AEIA). Senate Energy Committee Chairman Lisa Murkowski has indicated the bill may be back on the floor at some point. And in other news, the U.K. is investing big in carbon capture and storage projects giving a big boost to their industrial and energy sectors, plus 2019 was the biggest year for energy storage ever, according to WoodMackenzie’s Energy Storage Monitor 2019 Year in Review.
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March 6, 2020 – Senate Works to Clear Path For American Energy Innovation Act Vote Next Week
In an overwhelming vote of 90-4 to begin the week, the Senate officially began debate on the American Energy Innovation Act (AEIA). With that, ClearPath joined the Chamber of Commerce Global Energy Initiative and a diverse coalition of nearly 40 business organizations, environmental groups, and think tanks in urging the Senate to support the “American Energy Innovation Act.” In other news, ClearPath launched a new nationwide poll this week, with data for every state and every Congressional District. Also this week, A number of U.S. Department of Energy leaders were in the House Appropriations Committee this week highlighting the work their respective program offices do to advance clean energy innovation.
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February 28, 2020 – Monumental Clean Energy Innovation Bill Introduced in Senate
Senate Energy Committee Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Ranking Member Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) introduced their energy bill, the American Energy Innovation Act, this week. The bill includes a number of clean energy innovation bills that together will reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. and globally. Also this week, DOE Secretary Dan Brouillette testified before the House Energy & Water Appropriations Subcommittee on the Energy Department’s fiscal year 2021 budget request. He’s also scheduled to appear at the Senate Energy Committee on Wednesday. And in other news, geothermal was added to ClearPath suite of technology platforms and Highview Power, a long duration storage company announced Tuesday is getting a major investment boost to help commercialize the technology.
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February 21, 2020 – Carbon Capture Project Developers Get Needed Guidance
Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin released the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) pre-regulation guidance on the carbon capture tax credits (known as “45Q”). Also this week, the American Energy Innovation Council, an organization comprised of 12 executives in the energy, technology, and aerospace industries, released a report highlighting the scalable energy technology needed to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Idaho National Lab (INL) selected Oklo Inc. to receive access to materials from used nuclear fuel to support demonstration of the first Oklo Aurora plant. And in other news, ClearPath founder Jay Faison joined Rep. Dan Crenshaw recently on his podcast “Hold These Truths with Dan Crenshaw.”
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February 14, 2020 – House Republicans Release Carbon Capture Piece of Climate Plan
House Republicans rolled out the first piece of their plan to tackle climate change. The plan will consist of three key solutions: carbon capture, clean energy, and conservation. Also, The House Science, Space & Technology Committee passed several key innovation bills including the Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act and the Advanced Geothermal Research and Development Act. Plus, The White House released their FY21 budget this week, which is the first step in a process that ultimately involves Congress. In other news, Dominion Energy announced a new commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Their goal includes electricity generation and gas infrastructure operations.
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February 7, 2020 – House, Senate Move Closer to Clean Energy Bills
Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee Chairman Lisa Murkowski indicated she will be rolling out a package of clean energy bills that have already cleared the Committee, setting the stage for floor action. Also, Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, House Energy & Commerce Committee Ranking Greg Member Walden, the Select Committee on Climate Change Ranking Member Garret Graves and others continue working on the Republican package to address climate change, several key innovation bills are getting Congressional hearings. A startup company working on a new energy storage technology has licensed five new battery technologies in collaboration with the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
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January 31, 2020 – Senate May Move To Clean Energy Bills Soon
Jay Faison published an op-ed on Foxnews.com this week, Clean-energy supporters should support nuclear power. His piece challenges the notion being pushed by Democrat presidential candidates like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren that we don’t need nuclear. Also, multiple reports indicate that a series of clean energy bills that have already cleared the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee may see the floor soon. Plus, in an article published this week, the Washington Examiner lays out how House Republicans, including conservative members, are putting together a plan for the federal government to address climate change.
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January 24, 2020 – Clean Energy Innovation Key Piece of House Republicans Climate Plan
House Republicans are working on their agenda to tackle climate change and Leader McCarthy held an all-conference meeting recently to start outlining the plan. GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) and TerraPower are pursuing a Public Private Partnership to design and construct the Versatile Test Reactor (VTR) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation published their list of 10 priorities for Congress this year. Scientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory are working on how to recover lithium from brine wastes at geothermal power plants.
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January 17, 2020 – ClearPath Adds Duke Energy, White House Experience
ClearPath announced two new additions to their government affairs team. Colleen Moss joins ClearPath from Duke Energy, one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States, and Liz Seidel joins from CTIA — The Wireless Association, and previously worked in the White House. Microsoft announced plans to be 100% “carbon-negative” by 2030 and to achieve this will be making a massive $1Billion investment in carbon capture technology innovation. ClearPath joined the U.S. Department of Energy’s office of Nuclear Energy hosting the latest event in their Capitol Hill educational series and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing entitled Nuclear Power is Clean, Reliable & Carbon Free.
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January 10, 2020 – Bipartisan Tech-Neutral Energy Innovation Tax Credit
A new bipartisan bill called the Energy Sector Innovation Credit (ESIC) led by Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.) and Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA.) – especially when added to the recent suite of bipartisan proposals to right-size the U.S. innovation engine and regulatory code – could be a major missing financing piece of the clean energy innovation puzzle. House Energy & Commerce Republicans hosted the first-ever “Energy & Environment Innovation Showcase” – an exhibition designed to celebrate a host of American innovators and outline a clear legislative agenda to support realistic climate solutions. This week, Secretary of Energy Dan Brouilette rolled out the “Energy Storage Grand Challenge.” This exciting effort will use DOE expertise to spur advances in energy storage that will ultimate drive new technologies to market and ensure U.S. industry reaps the benefits.
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December 20, 2019 – Big Wins for Clean Energy R&D in FY20 Approps
Both the House and Senate have passed a bill that includes more than $13 billion for clean energy research, development and deployment (RD&D) and President Donald Trump will sign the bill. The legislation characterizes the investments as needing to be outcome oriented and goal focused, a shift from old spending bills. Also, The House Science, Space & Technology Committee passed several bipartisan clean energy innovation bills this week including the Advanced Geothermal Research and Development Act, the Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act, and the Grid Modernization Research and Development Act. This week the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) early site permit (ESP) to build a small modular reactor at the Clinch River Site near the Oak Ridge National Lab in Tennessee.
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December 13, 2019 – Clean Energy Innovation Showcase
This week, House Energy & Commerce Republicans hosted the first-ever “Energy & Environment Innovation Showcase” – an exhibition designed to celebrate a host of American innovators and outline a clear legislative agenda to support realistic climate solutions. This week Oklo Inc. received a site use permit from the U.S. Department of Energy to build their small nuclear reactor (Aurora) at the Idaho National Laboratory. In other news, NuScale announced the completion of Phase 4 of their design certification application review for their breakthrough small modular reactor(SMR) and National Petroleum Council (NPC) released A Roadmap to At-Scale Deployment of Carbon Capture, Use, and Storage.
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December 6, 2019 – Congrats Secretary Dan Brouillette!
On Monday, December 2,2019 the U.S. Senate voted 70-15 to confirm Dan Brouillette to be the 15th U.S. Secretary of Energy. House Energy & Commerce Republicans will be highlighting the importance of investing in the development and deployment of breakthrough technologies to reduce emissions as well as energy and environment policy. Oklo Inc. announced the launch of the Aurora – an advanced fission clean power plant developed to power communities with affordable, reliable, and clean power. Earlier this year, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) agreed to increase the efficiency of the technical reviews of advanced next generation reactor technologies and this week, NuScale and Terrestrial Energy were announced as pilots for joint review.
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November 22, 2019 – Powell Testifies at House Approps Climate Hearing
ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell was the Republican witness at the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development this week to examine “The Department of Energy’s Role in Addressing Climate Change.” Members of the House Science & Technology Committee, including Environment Chairwoman Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX), Energy Ranking Member Randy Weber (R-TX), Committee members Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX) and Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX), as well as Dan Crenshaw are held a field hearing in Houston to examine carbon capture research and development. In overwhelming bipartisan votes, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee cleared the nomination of Dan Brouillette as Secretary to the U.S. Department of Energy on Tuesday and the full Senate voted on cloture on Thursday.
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November 15, 2019 – Sen. Barrasso: nuclear power critical to addressing climate change
Senate Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing to hear from U.S. Department of Energy Deputy Secretary Dan Brouillette who is President Trump’s pick to succeed Secretary Rick Perry when he departs next month. Senator Barrasso lead a EPW hearing on importance of nuclear power where he said, “If we are serious about addressing climate change, we must be serious about increasing nuclear power. That means – advancing performance-based safety rules, deploying advanced nuclear technologies, ensuring we maintain U.S. uranium production, and permanently disposing of nuclear waste.” The House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis held a Member Day Hearing on “Solving the Climate Crisis.” and at the hearing, Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY) discussed the Energy Sector Innovation Credit legislation.
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November 8, 2019 – ClearPath Deepens Policy Expertise, Announces New Hires
ClearPath announced three new additions to the policy team. New hires Niko McMurray joins as Nuclear Program Director, and Cameron Tarry as Policy Fellow, while Cole Simons expands his existing role at ClearPath to include Policy Analyst. The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) program, Breakthroughs Enabling Thermonuclear-fusion Energy (BETHE) will be getting $30 million in new funding to support fusion energy development and deployment. Also, U.S. Sens. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) co-founded the new bipartisan Senate climate change caucus added six new Senators this week and also met with energy and industrial CEOs including executives from DSM, DTE Energy Co., LafargeHolcim Ltd., Public Service Enterprise Group Inc., Dow Inc. and BASF SE.
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November 1, 2019 – Kevin McCarthy’s promise for a GOP climate agenda
The Examiner published a story on October 28 highlighting House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy’s comments on how the caucus will be focused on climate policy and included quotes from Rich on clean energy innovation policy. Pumped hydro is almost all of grid-scale energy storage today and one company worth keeping an eye on, Quidnet Energy, is using a technology called geomechnical pumped storage (GPS). Forbes published a column on new battery technology that removes carbon dioxide from air that could be developed to a commercial scale in rolls similar to industrial paper. Morning Consult wrote about Oklo’s breakthrough small modular reactor technology.
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October 25, 2019 – Introduction of Key Geothermal Innovation Legislation
Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., introduced bipartisan legislation to accelerate geothermal energy development in the United States this week. A new video by ClearPath explains how geothermal is one of the only renewable resources that is available 24/7- 365. ClearPath and the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy hosted an Atomic Wings lunch and learn on Capitol Hill “Versatile Test Reactor: The Importance of Accelerating Nuclear Advanced Fuels & Materials in the United States” this week.
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October 18, 2019 – NELA Gets Push From Leading Voices
More than 20 organizations from industry and environmental groups, labor unions, and nuclear energy innovators sent a letter urging Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to promptly consider and pass the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act (S. 903 and H.R. 3306). We wish Rick Perry well and look forward to continuing to work with DOE’s extraordinary leadership team on clean energy breakthroughs. The Atlantic Council released an issue brief on Monday, Oct. 14th that ClearPath supported, titled “The Value of the US Nuclear Power Complex to US National Security.”
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October 11, 2019 – Package of Energy Bills Turbocharge Innovation Over Regulation
The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has passed a number of clean energy innovation bills this year, industry and environmental groups have urged Senate leadership to act, and Republicans in the House Energy & Commerce Committee are pushing to advance these bills through their committees of jurisdiction. Jay and Rich wrote a column highlighting North Carolina utility, Duke Energy’s transition to cost-effective carbon-free power after they announced a bold plan to decrease carbon emissions 50 percent by 2030 and ultimately be net-zero by 2050. GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) and Fermi Energia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on potential deployment applications for GEH’s BWRX-300 small modular reactor in Estonia.
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October 4, 2019 – Senate Action on Energy Innovation Gets Push from Influential Groups
ClearPath joins Chamber of Commerce, Leading Environmental and Business Groups Calling on Senate Leaders to Move Widely Supported Energy Innovation Agenda. This week President Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation naming October National Energy Awareness Month. The Nuclear Innovation Alliance (NIA) has released a couple of reports that will help bring the regulatory approach to advance nuclear energy into the modern era. This week ARC Nuclear Canada Inc. (ARC Canada) completed the first phase of the Vendor Design Review (VDR) program administered by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Canada’s nuclear regulator, marking a major milestone.
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September 27, 2019 – BEST Act Clears Senate Energy Committee
The U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee passed critical, large grid-scale battery storage legislation including The Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act out of committee this week setting up another bipartisan clean energy bill for a full Senate vote. The Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) announced a new initiative to encourage large-scale investment in carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS). NRG Energy, Inc. announced this week a commitment to be net-zero emission by 2050. On September 24, ClearPath and the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy hosted an Atomic Wings Lunch and Learn briefing entitled “Nuclear: The Clean Energy Titan”.
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September 20, 2019 – See What American Power Company Announced A Net-zero Carbon Goal for 2050
This week, Charlotte, NC-based Duke Energy made a major announcement of an updated climate strategy with a goal of net-zero carbon emissions from electric generation by midcentury and a near-term goal by cutting its carbon dioxide emissions by half or more from 2005 levels by 2030. Marine and hydrokinetic (MHK) device developers received some welcome news this week with a new opportunity to conduct laboratory and tank testing thanks to a U.S. Department of Energy program. Led by the Energy Storage Association (ESA), many different industry and other organizations launched a national effort supporting the storage Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which would make energy storage eligible for a 30 percent stand-alone investment tax incentive.
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September 13, 2019 – ClearPath Testifies on Macroeconomics of Clean Energy Solutions at House Financial Services Subcommittees
ClearPath executive Director Rich Powell testified at the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship and Capital Markets in a hearing called Examining the Macroeconomic Impacts of a Changing Climate. This week the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1760, the Advanced Nuclear Fuel Availability Act sponsored by Reps. Bill Flores (R-Texas) and Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.). The Senate Appropriations Committee approved its version of the fiscal year 2020 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill by a vote of 31-0.
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September 6, 2019 – ClearPath to Testify on Climate Change at House Financial Services Subcommittee
Rich to Testify on Climate Change at House Financial Services Subcommittee next week. Justin Ong, ClearPath Program Director who focuses on fossil fuels, published a new Energy 101 piece explaining the removal of carbon dioxide from the waste streams of industrial processes or the atmosphere for storage underground or “recycling” into new products. Following the Climate Change Town Hall, House Energy and Commerce Republicans released a list of seven bills Democrats could work with them on to reduce emissions, promote clean energy, and conserve our natural resources.
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August 23, 2019 – Happy National Hydropower Day
August 23 was National Hydropower Day and we wanted to celebrate the renewable energy source has the best track record of reducing emissions in the U.S. and abroad. This week, Total became the newest sponsor of the US Department of Energy’s National Carbon Capture Center. City officials in the town of Farmington, New Mexico are aiming to keep the coal-fired San Juan Generating Station open by signing an agreement with Enchant Energy Corp. that proposes outfitting the plant with carbon-capture technology. ClearPath joined The Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium (VNEC) and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) at their Virginia is Nuclear Summit this week.
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August 16, 2019 – Nuclear Reactor Innovation Center Launched This Week
The NRIC was officially launched at the Idaho National Laboratory. Rich Powell, Executive Director of ClearPath was named to the The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) 2019 Advisory Committee. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to streamline regulatory process and technical reviews of advanced reactor and small modular reactor technologies. Chevron announced they are launching one of the world’s largest carbon capture and storage projects, injecting CO2 into a deep reservoir in Australia at its Gorgon LNG project.
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August 2, 2019 – Breakthrough Technology on Carbon Capture for Coal
ClearPath Executive Director, Rich Powell and Production Director, Mitch Kersey created a whiteboard video on the exciting advanced technology coming from Jupiter Oxygen, and why you should pay attention to the future of coal plants with carbon capture. At the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global Energy Institute Summit Energy Innovates: All In, ClearPath Founder Jay Faison and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) teamed up on stage to discuss policy wins for energy innovation. In the latest Energy 101 series, ClearPath’s policy team takes an in-depth look at the science behind nuclear fuel and helps you break it down.
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July 26, 2019 – Republicans Promote Emissions Reductions, the GOP Way
Rich Powell testified at the House Budget Committee hearing on Wednesday, July 24 entitled, The Costs of Climate Change: From Coasts to Heartland, Health to Security. The House Science, Space & Technology Committee passed the Fossil Energy Research & Development Act (H.R.3607), legislation introduced by U.S. Reps. Marc Veasey (D-TX) and David Schweikert (R-AZ) through committee. Overseas private investment corporation (Opic) Shows bias towards nuclear energy and more.
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July 19, 2019 – ClearPath to Testify at House Budget Climate Hearing Next Week
Rich Powell to Testify at House Budget Committee Climate Hearing on Wednesday, July 24, 2019. The Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee passed several clean energy bills out of committee. On Tuesday, June 16 ClearPath along with the U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy hosted an Atomic Wings Lunch and Learn. The Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) on their Carbon Free Power Project announced a major milestone.
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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