Happy Friday!  

1. CCLP helping to power your energy career

L-R: Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and former Rep. Ryan Costello

ClearPath’s Conservative Climate Leadership Program (CCLP) gathered future energy leaders at the “Powering Your Energy Career: Connections and Conversations for Young Energy Professionals in Washington.” Highlights included:

• An interactive activity working on doubling the energy grid by 2050;
• A workshop on bridging the communications gap between generations in the workplace;
• A panel discussion with three energy professionals on their respective career paths, and;
• A fireside chat with Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and former Rep. Ryan Costello.

What’s clear: As the need for clean, affordable, reliable energy grows, so does the need for passionate young professionals. CCLP is investing in the careers of our future energy leaders, and the program is set up to provide promising options to fill staffing needs in Congressional offices.

Looking to fill a role in your office? Reach out to CCLP Director Dana Faught at dana@clearpath.org to find out more.

2. IMPACTing innovation in cement, concrete and asphalt

Reps. Max Miller (R-OH) and Valerie Foushee (D-NC) introduced H.R. 9136, the Innovative Mitigation Partnerships for Asphalt and Concrete Technologies (IMPACT) 2.0 bill, which will:

• Support American manufacturing by unlocking investments and accelerating innovation in cement, concrete and asphalt;
• Support producers by streamlining regulation; and
• Maintain the U.S.’ position as a global industrial leader.

ClearPath Action has endorsed this legislation.

What’s clear: “This bipartisan legislation will strengthen American competitiveness, supporting both the economy and the environment,” said Jeremy Harrell, CEO, ClearPath Action. “It is vital that we continue to bolster innovation and unleash modernized industrial technologies.
 

3. Senate steps towards letting America build

Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY) and Joe Manchin (I-WV) introduced the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 to modernize the energy permitting system and meet increasing energy demand.

ClearPath Action supports this legislation.

This legislation will cement America’s lead in clean energy production by:

• Shortening litigation timelines,
• Allowing categorical exclusions for clean energy projects,
• Accelerating permitting for geothermal on federal lands, and
• Eliminating delays after permits are approved.

What’s clear: “If you pair common-sense reforms like these with the important legislation Congress just passed with the ADVANCE Act to improve permitting for nuclear energy, the U.S. is on its way to energy dominance,” said Jeremy Harrell, CEO of ClearPath Action.

Take a look: Watch the video above for a crash course on how to streamline the permitting system in the U.S.

Coming down the pipeline: Wednesday, July 31 at 10:00 am – The Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee will consider the bill in a business meeting.
 

4. The competitive advantage of American natural gas

ClearPath partnered with the American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC) to co-host an educational briefing with 40+ Congressional staff about American natural gas’ competitive advantage.

The briefing emphasized that natural gas:

• Is abundant and delivers the 24/7 affordable power that powers our homes;
• Secures our power grid and drives our economy, and
• Innovation has made America the world’s top producer.

What’s clear: “We can reduce these emissions without compromising U.S. oil and gas production while addressing the global climate challenge and maintaining U.S. leadership in this critical clean energy asset for decades to come,” said ClearPath CEO Jeremy Harrell.
 

5. NEW blog: The Vogtle expansion was a smart investment

Georgia’s ambitious project to build two first-of-a-kind reactors, Vogtle 3 & 4, is sometimes used as a cautionary tale. But the story is actually about Georgia persevering to secure a major investment in its future. The Vogtle expansion will:

• Provide 24/7 power to 1 million homes in Georgia;
• Avoid 10 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions yearly;
• Add 2GW of clean power to the grid at a time when demand is shooting up;
• Operate at low marginal costs for 80-100 years.

What’s clear: The Vogtle expansion will ensure Georgia’s future power mix is clean, reliable, and resistant to price inflation and fuel risks. Because of this, Georgia is home to booming data center investment and clean manufacturing projects.

Plug in: Read the latest blog on Vogtle’s success from our CEO Jeremy Harrell and Nuclear Program Manager, Jake Kincer.
 

6. The world needs American nuclear

Foreign Affairs published an article, “Nuclear Must Be Part of the Solution,” stressing the need for accelerating global nuclear energy deployment.

What’s clear: Foreign interest in nuclear energy is growing, and the U.S. must provide financing options. Today, countries like Russia and China are offering more competitive deals.

Plug in: Managing Director of Nuclear and International Policy, Niko McMurray expanded on how the U.S. can modernize its financing tools to bolster the deployment of innovative nuclear energy technologies worldwide when he testified to the House Committee on Financial Services.
 

7. ClearPath covers clean firm power

Senior Program Manager Matthew Mailloux joined a panel discussion with the House Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus on the need for clean, firm power to meet rising energy demand and reduce emissions.

Plug in: Read more on why ClearPath views next-gen geothermal technologies as a critical key of America’s future electric grid.
 

8. ICYMI

• The World Resources Institute (WRI) did a deep dive on the landscape of transformative low-carbon cement technology projects supported by federal funding.
• DOE announced $9M in grant funding to establish a center to support low-carbon innovation.
• Cowboy Clean Fuels announced $13M in Series B funding for renewable natural gas and carbon dioxide sequestration.
• DOE announced a $182M conditional commitment to produce low-carbon steel in Erie, Pennsylvania.
• Over 530 national, state and local organizations sent a letter to Congress encouraging the passage of a bipartisan Farm Bill this year.
• OCED and the Pacific Northwest Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs completed award negotiations for up to $1B in total federal cost share, with $27.5M going towards the first tranche of funding for foundational activities.