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CLEAN ENERGY INSIDER
SEPTEMBER 17, 2024
REAMS REPORT

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Congress is back in session, and it has been an exciting few weeks here at CRES. Last week, I was honored to testify ([link removed]) before the House Committee on Natural Resources in support of pending ([link removed]) permitting legislation ([link removed]) that will meet growing energy demand, increase American competitiveness, recapture U.S. manufacturing dominance and achieve the environmental progress we all desire. You can watch my testimony HERE ([link removed]) .

Now, we are setting our sights on what’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting events of the year—the 8th Annual National Clean Energy Week ([link removed]) (NCEW) ([link removed]) ! NCEW is a national platform for driving clean energy innovation and policy, bringing together innovative leaders, governors, Members of Congress and industry experts. It is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing American energy solutions that boost our economy, protect our environment and strengthen our energy independence – proving that clean energy is a win for all Americans!

The team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure this year’s event exceeds expectations. With a focus on bipartisan collaboration, we’re excited to feature keynote addresses and panels that dive deep into the critical issues of grid modernization, energy security and innovative technologies that will drive the clean energy future. I am looking forward to moderating an armchair discussion with Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia (R-Ga.). As Georgia emerges as a clean energy leader, this conversation will spotlight the role states play in advancing both economic and environmental goals.

NCEW’s flagship Policymakers Symposium agenda for the week also includes dynamic conversations with policymakers and stakeholders on the importance of American energy independence, the benefits of clean energy tax incentives in driving innovation, how we can work together to reduce emissions throughout the energy sector and the need for continued investments in grid resilience. Check out our full agenda and learn more HERE ([link removed]) .

We’re looking forward to welcoming you, either virtually or in-person, to what promises to be a pivotal week for clean energy advocacy. Stay tuned as we gear up for an event that not only highlights progress but sets the stage for future achievements in U.S. clean energy leadership. Register for the free NCEW Policymakers Symposium HERE ([link removed]) , and if you have any questions about sponsorship for the event, please contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Sincerely,
Heather Reams
CRES President

WHAT CRES IS HEARING
“I consider myself an all-of-the-above energy proponent, and one thing's for sure is we need more energy of all kinds. And the jurisdiction that we have in this committee with NEPA affects a lot more than just energy. It affects infrastructure. It affects forestry. It affects mining, which is critical to energy, and really anything with a federal nexus in spending.” – House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) during a hearing ([link removed]) about the importance of permitting reform.
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“Clean, affordable, and reliable energy is foundational to the continued prosperity of the American people. Yet, the Biden-Harris administration’s radical, rush-to-green agenda has undermined our energy security, leading to years of out-of-control inflation and higher prices on everything from food to housing to vehicles and more. [...] Energy and Commerce Republicans are leading to expose the consequences of those harmful policies and to advance policies that unleash American energy.” – House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) in a subcommittee hearing ([link removed]) announcement.

WHAT CRES IS SAYING

About Federal Permitting Reform...
“Clean energy projects nationwide are being stalled by a pattern of frivolous lawsuits from extreme environmental groups. By streamlining the judicial process and ensuring timely approvals, we can maintain strong environmental standards while accelerating the development of clean energy. We are grateful for Chairman Westerman’s leadership and appreciate his continued work on permitting reform, which will accelerate projects that reduce emissions and deliver reliable, affordable clean energy to all Americans.” – CRES President Heather Reams in a statement ([link removed]) about House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman’s (R-Ark.) draft bill to amend the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
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About the Full Responsibility and Expedited Enforcement (FREE) Act...
“Without significant reforms to our nation’s permitting processes, clean energy projects that revitalize local communities and provide affordable, reliable energy will continue to be held up by layers of unnecessary red tape. [...] Thank you to Sens. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Ted Budd (R-S.C.) and Reps. Celeste Maloy (R-Utah) and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.) for leading this bicameral effort to accelerate development of new clean energy projects that bolster our grid, economy and national security.” – CRES President Heather Reams in a statement ([link removed]) of support for the FREE Act.

WHAT CRES IS DOING
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Our team is hard at work preparing for National Clean Energy Week 2024! We're lining up speakers, policymaker discussions, engaging sessions and exciting activities for all participants. We are excited to see you September 23-27, 2024! Learn more about National Clean Energy Week and how you can get involved HERE ([link removed]) .
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CRES Forum hosted the fifth CRES Academy session of 2024, "Biofuels 101: Driving a Cleaner Future with American Resources ([link removed]) ." The session explored the transformative role of biofuels in the U.S. transportation sector and provided an in-depth look at how biofuels—such as ethanol, biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF)—can meet transportation needs while supporting energy security and reducing emissions.
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CRES Forum's Vice President of Policy and Advocacy Christina Baworowsky traveled to Anaheim, California, to participate in the RE+ Summit, speaking on a panel titled, “Navigating Nationwide Siting and Permitting Regulations ([link removed]) .” Joined by industry experts, Christina highlighted CRES’ priorities and explored ways to streamline permitting processes to accelerate clean energy deployment nationwide.

WHAT CRES IS WRITING

Op-ed: Permitting Reform Will Help Lower Emissions ([link removed])
Permitting reform will enhance America’s economic competitiveness. The U.S. leads the world in clean energy innovation but lags in deployment, in part, due to a cumbersome permitting process. These inefficiencies delay projects, discourage investment, and increase costs through litigation risk. Streamlining the federal permitting system means lower energy costs for consumers, attracting new investments, maintaining current investments, and the timely completion of projects — all of which are crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.
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CRES Academy Recap: Biofuels 101 ([link removed])
The transportation sector currently accounts for 28 percent ([link removed]) of the nation’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making it the largest contributor to U.S. emissions. Sourced from renewable resources like plants and agricultural waste, biofuels not only help reduce emissions but also support local communities, making them a key element of America’s all-of-the-above energy strategy.
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The FREE Act: Paving the Way for Modernizing Federal Permitting ([link removed])
The FREE Act would help streamline the federal permitting process by establishing a “permit-by-rule” (PBR) system. Under this new system, projects that meet predefined criteria can receive automatic approval, bypassing the often lengthy and cumbersome permit application process that currently has inconsistent and opaque requirements. This not only reduces the administrative burden on regulatory agencies but also provides greater predictability and certainty for project developers.
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Op-ed: Showcasing Asheville’s Conservative Climate Leadership ([link removed])
Did you know there is a group called the Conservative Climate Caucus (CCC) comprised of over 80 Congressional Republicans from across the country, including Asheville’s Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.)? In contrast to the left’s extreme agenda that is destructive to our economy and our way of life, the Caucus is dedicated to commonsense climate solutions that embrace all forms of American-made energy, from renewables like wind and solar to baseload resources like natural gas and nuclear and bolster the economy while lowering emissions nationwide.

WHAT CRES IS READING

Natural Gas Is Critical To Achieving Global Climate Goals. Here’s Why ([link removed]) – Forbes

Rep. John Curtis says he isn’t afraid of making mistakes ([link removed]) – Deseret News

Solar is bigger in Texas ([link removed]) – Axios

Daily on Energy: Westerman NEPA reform bill gets aired out in committee, Stellantis spends on EVs in Michigan, and criminal coffee prices ([link removed]) – The Washington Examiner

US solar jobs rise 6% in 2023, study says ([link removed]) – Reuters

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