Welcome to your weekly Rundown, for the week ending May 8.
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Please stay safe and healthy, wherever you're reading this week.
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ClearPath Adds to Communications Team
with PR and Lobbying Firm Experience
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. Read more
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Advanced Nuclear Regulatory Hurdle Still on Streamlined Track
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.
Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Mike Braun (R-IN) have urged the NRC to develop this streamlined process for these reactor designs, stating it is necessary for innovation in the nuclear industry, and would deliver on changes to nuclear regulation passed by Congress and signed by President Trump.
To submit written comments on the GEIS scoping process, you have until June 30. Submit comments here.
Information about the NRC webinar on May 28 is here.
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EXIM Launches “Strengthening American Competitiveness” Initiative
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is launching 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. See the schedule and read more here. ClearPath Executive Director Rich Powell serves as a member of EXIM’s Advisory Committee.
RICH'S TAKE
“EXIM will play a key role in advancing U.S leadership in transformational technologies around the globe. Making investments in advanced industries such as clean energy will promote national security, energy security, and human health – all while building America's competitive position around the globe.”
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Nuclear Innovation Runs Through Virginia
The Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium (VNEC) announced legislation that was passed and signed into law directing the state to work with industry to develop a strategic plan for the Commonwealth’s nuclear industry. The Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium Authority (VNECA) will be leading work with industry stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan for ensuring nuclear, a carbon-free energy source continues its contribution to economic development and the state’s energy mix.
Virginia is home to the nuclear navy, fuel manufacturers and nuclear producers. The Congressional Delegation from Virginia is also key to the success of the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act. NELA’s House bill sponsors include three from their delegation: U.S. Reps. Elaine Luria (VA-02), Denver Riggleman (VA-05), and Rob Wittman (VA-01).
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 Conservatives Launch Clean Energy and Climate Group
A new conservative advocacy group launched this week to promote clean energy and address climate change. They are called the Conservative Coalition for Climate Solutions, or C3 Solutions.
E&E News reported that, “Drew Bond, a former adviser for President George W. Bush at the Department of Energy, and John Hart, the former communications director for the late Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), said they founded the group to offer alternatives to progressive solutions including the Green New Deal.”
Read coverage in E&E
Read their op-ed in Real Clear Energy
Conservatives like former Senator Rick Santorum and Yuval Levin of the American Enterprise Institute are on the advisory board for C3 Solutions.
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IN THE HEARING ROOM
In the hearing room this week: The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2020 (AWIA 2020) and the Drinking Water Infrastructure Act of 2020. The legislation as amended passed the committee by a vote of 21 to 0. Read more on the legislation here
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Fusion 101:
A Game Changing Technology May be Closer Than You Think
What if we could harness the reaction at the core of the sun to generate power? For decades, scientists have been trying to do just that: create a fusion generator that could supply the world with unlimited clean electricity from hydrogen molecules found in seawater. In the past decade, innovative designs and scientific breakthroughs have brought this goal close enough to impact our electricity system on a climate-relevant timeline. ClearPath’s Cameron Tarry published this 101 piece exploring how fusion works, what has happened lately, and why fusion could help reduce emissions.
Read the 101 here
 The US Shouldn’t Abandon the Nuclear Energy Market
In their April addition, World Oil Magazine reported on Louisiana based G2 Net-Zero LNG, who is using technology from Siemens, NET Power and 8 Rivers who will be the first LNG facility to reach net-zero carbon emissions. They aim to reach this goal by 2027. Read more
Duke Energy’s 2020 Climate Report Shows Need for Clean Energy Demonstrations
Blueprint for achieving net-zero requires strong nuclear future, and new technologies like storage and carbon capture
Last 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.
Read more from ClearPath here
Highlights from the report include:
- “No new gas" analysis that assumed the regulated electric utilities are not allowed to build any additional natural gas generation. Under this scenario, the company would only see a modest 5% decrease in cumulative CO2 emissions between 2020 and 2050, but ultimately see supply chain issues with unprecedented additions of energy storage in a short period of time which would lead to greater costs to customers.
- Zero – Emitting Load Following Resources (ZELFRs), such as nuclear power plants or fossil energy plants with carbon capture, will be 16% of generation by 2040 and 30% by 2050. This model was based on using small modular reactors which is a good market signal for developers. ZELFRs are also assumed to be commercially available for deployment in the mid-2030s.
- To achieve this goal, they will need to start building new systems in 2035, which means they need to be demonstrated over the next 10 years in order to reach sustained double of capacity additions — 6 GW in 2040 and 13 GW in 2050.
- Natural gas remains 6% of their mix 2050. The report highlights getting their emissions down 95% and purchasing offsets for the last 8 million tons of carbon dioxide. Achieving this will involve carbon capture or carbon removal technologies.
In October, Jay Faison and Rich Powell wrote a column on Duke’s bold step for clean energy transition.
 New Poll: “Clean Energy Innovation” Very Popular With Voters
Wondering what constituents in your state think of clean energy innovation? ClearPath launched a new nationwide poll recently, with data for every state and every Congressional District.
A 3,000 person nationwide survey conducted by Kristen Soltis Anderson’s firm Echelon Insights shows respondents across the country, including in some of the most conservative parts, believe clean energy innovation is a better path than government regulation.
Clean Energy Poll Highlights:
- 89% Believe it is possible for the U.S. to develop cleaner energy sources that can also provide more affordable energy.
- 87% Believe clean energy is an issue that Republicans in Congress SHOULD care about, only 50% believe they do.
- 58% Say that instead of regulation, they believe more innovation and better technology that lets us reduce carbon emissions is the best way to fight climate change.
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THE PATH AHEAD
Happening Now: The Carbon Capture Coalition is hosting a virtual breakfast briefing from 10am - 11am on opportunities to support current carbon capture projects at risk of delay or cancellation due to the COVID-19 crisis. The briefing includes Congressional staff and Coalition members. Contact [email protected] to join the briefing.
May 12: The U.S. Association for Energy Economics will host a web event at 10 am on Advances in Nuclear Power: Increased Resiliency in Face of COVID-19 and Other Potential Challenges. ClearPath’s Jeremy Harrell will be a panelist. Register here
May 13: Industry and Congressional leaders from Texas will host an online event from 9 - 11 am, Managing the Critical Importance of Energy in America in a COVID-19 World. ClearPath’s Jeff Morehouse will be a panelist. Register here
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| CLEAN ENERGY. THE CONSERVATIVE WAY. |
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