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ClearPath Action Rundown 
April 4th, 2025

Happy Friday!

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our spring reception at our new office building!

1. America needs pipelines: movement on next-gen

Reps. Weber (R-TX) and Ross (D-NC) reintroduced the Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act (H.R. 2613), which will strengthen U.S. energy security by driving innovation in cutting-edge pipeline materials and technologies. 

This legislation will:

• Authorize a Department of Energy (DOE) early-stage demonstration initiative for next-generation pipeline systems, components and technologies;
• Establish a joint R&D program between DOE, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop advanced pipeline technologies and materials;
• Facilitate public-private partnerships with industry and other stakeholders on pipeline technology research, development and demonstration (RD&D); and
• Direct NIST to develop a specialized pipeline measurement RD&D program to support the integrity and safety of pipelines. 

What’s clear: “Modernizing U.S. pipeline infrastructure is critical for meeting our nation’s energy independence, industrial competitiveness and emissions reduction goals. This bill supports an all-of-the-above energy strategy by bolstering our existing pipeline network while accelerating the build-out of new pipeline infrastructure for LNG, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and more,” said ClearPath Action CEO Jeremy Harrell.

Plug in: ClearPath Action has endorsed this legislation.

2. Texas continues nuclear expansion efforts

Dow Chemical and X-energy submitted a construction permit application to the Nuclear Regulatory Committee for a new nuclear project in Seadrift, Texas. It will:

• Advance nuclear energy in the U.S.;
• Be supported by the DOE Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP); and
• Lead to reliable and cost-competitive nuclear power.

The Seadrift facility is expected to be the first manufacturing site in the world powered entirely by advanced nuclear technology, demonstrating the potential of affordable commercial reactors.

What’s clear: The submission of the Construction Permit application for Dow’s site is a significant step toward advancing clean, reliable nuclear energy for industrial use. 

Plug in: Read the full details and impact of this application here.

3. NEW whiteboard video: Explaining the Power Demand Challenge

As we hear more about the rapid increase in global energy demand, it’s clear that economic growth, widespread electrification and the rise of data centers for AI are all playing a role. But it’s not just about needing more energy—it’s about needing energy that is affordable, reliable and clean.

In our latest video, Hillary O’Brien explores:

• How much energy we will need in the next five years;
• How much we need to build to meet the need; and
• How we can build quickly and affordably by streamlining permitting and incentivizing American energy innovation. 

Plug in: Watch our video here.

4. Meta amplifies forest carbon management in Washington State

Meta partnered with forest management and investment firm EFM to deliver 676,000 nature-based carbon removal credits through 2035 on Washington State's Olympic Peninsula. 

This long-term collaboration aims to:

• Unlock the removal of an additional one million tons of CO2 over the next decade;
• Broaden revenue streams for traditional forest products to new opportunities like voluntary carbon credits and conservation; and
• Demonstrate the value of carbon revenue in supporting investment decisions.

What’s clear: Influential industry players continue to advance towards achieving net-zero emissions across their value chains in 2030 and see nature-based carbon dioxide (CDR) innovations as a promising option because of additional co-benefits. 

Plug in: Read more about hybrid CDR innovations here.

5. Indiana takes action: boosting permitting efficiency

Governor Mike Braun (R-IN) signed an executive order requiring Indiana state government departments to enhance transparency and efficiency in the permitting process. The initiative aims to increase visibility and make permitting processes more accessible to the public and businesses.

Key aspects of the executive order:

• The Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Natural Resources and Transportation will now post monthly permitting data;
• Establishes regular reviews of permitting processes to ensure timely compliance and high-quality standards; and 
• Supports business growth by fostering a more favorable environment for companies in Indiana.

What’s clear: The U.S. permitting system faces delays and complexities across federal, state and local agencies, slowing critical energy and infrastructure projects. To stay competitive and meet growing energy demands, we must modernize and streamline the permitting process for faster development.

Plug in: Read more on how to modernize the federal permitting system here.

6. Movement on modernizing DOE

Last week, the House unanimously passed the Cost-Share Accountability Act, sponsored by Rep. Obernolte (R-CA), aimed at improving transparency and government accountability within the DOE. 

The bill:

• Requires DOE to report to Congress when it opts to reduce or waive statutory cost-sharing requirements for grant awards;
• Increases accountability for the DOE’s federally funded projects; and
• Ensures greater transparency and fairness in the DOE’s awards process, while improving stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

Plug in: Check out ClearPath’s report for why modernization is crucial for the DOE.

7. The Circuit

Jeremy Harrell participated in a panel discussion hosted by the American Conservation Coalition on “Pathways to American Energy Dominance.”

8. ICYMI

• House Energy and Commerce Chairman Guthrie (R-KY) penned an op-ed urging changes to energy infrastructure permits to expand gas capacity for rising AI demands.
• The U.S. Department of Energy authorized Holtec International to sell its nuclear reactor in India.
• “Besides financial support, permitting reforms that would give geothermal the same advantages as oil and gas would also benefit the industry significantly,” said ClearPath’s Matt Mailloux, in a Cipher News article by Cat Clifford.
• ClearPath Action, alongside 59 other organizations, signed a letter to Sens. Hoeven (R-ND) and Shaheen (D-NH) and Reps. Harris (R-MD) and Bishop (D-NC), urging federal investment toward USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) for FY26.

ClearPath believes America must lead the world in innovation over regulation…markets over mandates…providing affordable, reliable, clean energy. 

That's all from us. Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

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