Thanks for Joining Us at The Congressional Baseball Game!

It was great to see so many of our Rundown readers at the Congressional Baseball Game on Wednesday. Thanks for coming!

Senate Votes to “USE IT” -- Carbon Capture Research Added to NDAA

The Utilizing Significant Emissions with Innovative Technologies (USE IT) Act will be included in the U.S. Senate’s National Defense Authorization Act. USE IT supports research for carbon capture utilization. The legislation would also support construction and development of carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) facilities and carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines.

U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), led the effort with cosponsors Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Tom Carper (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Tina Smith (D-MN), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Mike Enzi (R-WY).

RICH’S TAKE

“The USE IT Act, along with the the 45Q incentive, have the potential to dramatically boost commercial carbon capture deployment in the U.S., which can lead to significant increases in enhanced oil recovery and other economic benefits. Facilitating the build out of carbon dioxide pipelines and related infrastructure backed by the USE IT Act is a logical next step to facilitate U.S. carbon capture technologies.” Read more here

Advance Permitting Process for Advanced Nuclear Technology

ClearPath’s Rich Powell and former Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner Jeff Merrifield presented a plan to modernize the environmental permitting process for advanced nuclear.

ClearPath is supporting Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman, John Barrasso (R-WY) and Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) urging the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to initiate a “Generic Environmental Impact Study” (GEIS) for advanced nuclear technology such as small modular reactors or microreactors. Click here to read Chairman Barrasso and Sen. Braun’s letter to NRC.

RICH’S TAKE

“Unless we update the process, small modular reactors and microreactors would be subject to the same environmental impact study as a traditional reactor. The first American advanced reactor design could clear NRC design certification within two years, and our regulatory process needs to be up to speed.”

ClearPath at USEA Tech Series

ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell spoke at the United States Energy Association’s Technology Series event “Climate Change: What should we all do now” on Thursday, June 27. More on the event here

DOE Invests Nearly $50 Million at National Labs and Universities to Advance Nuclear Technology

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced they are awarding $49.3 million for 58 advanced nuclear technology and development projects. The awards are part of the Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP), the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) program, and other research projects. Read more here

In the hearing room this week:

On June 25, U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Rick Perry testified at House Science, Space, & Technology Committee hearing Oversight Of The Department Of Energy’s Research And Development Enterprise. At the hearing Sec. Perry reiterated the administration’s commitment advancements in technologies including carbon capture.

In the hearing room this week:

On June 27, The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing held a hearing to examine storage of nuclear waste and the Nuclear Waste Administration Act, S. 1234. For more information click here

THE PATH AHEAD

July 4 - We’ll be off next week celebrating Independence Day! Catch you the following week.

July 8-10 - The ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit: The annual technology and innovation summit brings together experts from diverse backgrounds to discuss America’s energy challenges. ClearPath’s Faith Smith will be attending.

July 16 - Atomic Wings Lunch and Learn: ClearPath along with the U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy will be hosting the next Atomic Wings Lunch and Learn on Capitol Hill. More information to come soon.

July 24 - National Lab Day on Capitol Hill.

July 31 - ClearPath Founder Jay Faison will speak at the U.S. Chamber’s Global Energy Institute event EnergyInnovates: All In. The event will showcase innovators, projects, and technologies that have shaped today’s energy landscape -- and are laying the groundwork for the future. More information here

August 21 - The George Washington University is hosting a One-Day Professional Development Certificate Course for Mid-Career Professionals: The 21st Century Geopolitics of Energy: Risks, Vulnerabilities and Opportunities. For more information or to register click here