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ClearPath Action Rundown 
July 11th, 2025

Happy Friday and congratulations to…

Wells Griffith, who was confirmed by the Senate to serve as Under Secretary of Energy.

David Wright, whose renomination to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission was advanced by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

1. OBBB goes FFAR for agricultural innovation

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act invests in rural America and American farm families by supporting agricultural innovation and conservation. The ag sections led by Sen. Boozman (R-AR) and Rep. Thompson (R-PA) included:

• $37 million for the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), to maintain investments in American agricultural R&D and leverage private sector partnerships; and
• $16 billion in baseline mandatory funding for conservation programs like Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), to support American farmers.

What’s clear: Agricultural innovation provides tools for American farmers and ranchers to ensure long-lasting rural prosperity and preserve the nation’s national security. The U.S. is ceding ground in federal Ag innovation funding to China. By 2015, China was spending more than $10 billion annually on agriculture R&D, nearly double that of U.S. expenditures.

Plug in: Agriculture breakthroughs should come from the U.S. Our farmers are ready to unleash the power of free markets to innovate, produce more food, and reduce emissions. Watch here.

2. Don’t miss this: CCLP event - Powering Your Energy Career

Calling all interns and young professionals - Join us Tuesday, July 15th, for the ClearPath Conservative Leadership Program (CCLP) professional development event.

This event features:

• Career panel discussions with policy experts and industry leaders;
• An interactive workshop to build policy and communications skills;
• A networking lunch with energy professionals; and
• A fireside chat with a Member of Congress.

What’s clear: At ClearPath, we are always looking for the nation’s top talent to participate in CCLP. The program aims to foster, educate and empower the next generation of clean energy leaders.

Plug-in: The event is 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Register here to secure your spot!

3. …Plus CCLP expands

Jackson supports ClearPath's work on accelerating geothermal energy development and advancing critical minerals policy.

Prior to ClearPath, Jackson earned his master’s degree in International Relations and a certificate in Science, Technology and Energy Policy from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs.

Welcome, Jackson!

4. Southwest VA tapped for advanced nuclear energy development

Southwest Virginia plans to deploy nuclear reactors with support from state and regional grants. This project:

• Would provide 24/7 carbon-free power, aligning with Virginia’s goals to support data centers and manufacturing while revitalizing coalfield communities;
• Is led by the Virginia Department of Energy, UVA Wise, and the Virginia Innovative Nuclear Hub; and
• Aims to establish a regional roadmap for siting, infrastructure, workforce development, and long-term economic impact.

Governor Glenn Youngkin called the initiative a generational investment in energy leadership and rural economic growth.

What's clear:  New manufacturing, electrification and data centers are driving this growth. According to one projection, U.S. power demand is expected to increase 78% by 2050. To deliver affordable, reliable and secure energy, utilities develop comprehensive integrated resource plans, which outline how they intend to build energy infrastructure and meet consumer needs. 

6. ICYMI

• What we’re reading: Punchbowl - Rep. Fleischmann (R-TN), chair of the House Appropriations Energy & Water Subcommittee, highlights nuclear energy, bipartisan opportunities and energy tax credits.
• Frontier agrees to a $41 million offtake with carbon removal start-up Arbor to do carbon removal and use recycled carbon to power data centers.
• The House’s fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act significantly boosts the military’s use of nuclear energy as part of its broader energy strategy.
• Global Laser Enrichment has submitted its full application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the world’s first commercial laser uranium enrichment facility in Kentucky.
• The NRC is fast-tracking TerraPower’s construction permit review for the Kemmerer nuclear plant in Wyoming, aiming to finish by the end of 2025, eight months early.
• The Tonopah Flats lithium project in Nevada gained federal fast-track status, helping to quickly establish domestic critical mineral supply chains in the U.S.
• A new analysis from Charm Industrial shows that mobile pyrolysis and bio-oil injection are highly deployable and cost-efficient ways to remove carbon dioxide from the air.

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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