1. ClearPath adds to government affairs team
This week, ClearPath added Amanda Sollazzo as a Government Affairs Associate. She will assist the Government Affairs team with project management, events, outreach, and operations. Welcome, Amanda!
- Prior to joining ClearPath, Amanda worked on Capitol Hill for six years, most recently for Congressman Sam Graves (R-MO) and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as Executive Assistant/Scheduler.
“We’re thrilled to have Amanda join our team,” said Government Affairs Managing Director Chris Tomassi. “Her experience on the Hill will be invaluable as we continue to implement our government relations strategy.”
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2. Where American LNG goes, other clean energy can follow
American liquefied natural gas (LNG) has become a critical lifeline to the European Union as it prepares to wean itself from Russian gas. The U.S. is in a unique position to lead global action on LNG, and other clean energy technologies as well.
- In the first quarter of 2022, the U.S. exported 74% of its LNG to Europe, compared to an average of 34% in 2021.
- The U.S. exports LNG to 39 countries.
As Europe rethinks the tools it will use to meet its own clean energy targets, U.S. innovation and exports are leading the way with a number of technologies — nuclear is just one example.
- The U.S. reached a bilateral agreement with Romania to buy American nuclear reactors;
- The UK committed to nuclear as a core part of their emissions reduction plan; and
- France has committed to maintain and even enhance their nuclear fleet.
Plug in: ClearPath Policy Analyst Matthew Mailloux dives into the innovation and exports of clean energy technology helping America remain a global energy leader in a new blog post.
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3. Making uranium a “critical mineral”
Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and August Pfluger (R-TX) introduced the Critical Minerals Classification Improvement Act, endorsed by ClearPath Action, which will secure America’s domestic critical minerals supply.
- This bill eliminates the “non-fuel” requirement from the definition of “critical mineral,” allowing minerals like uranium to be classified under the critical minerals umbrella.
- This will help reduce America’s reliance on countries like China for these minerals.
“The U.S. cannot afford to rely on foreign countries like Russia or China for minerals that are critical for our energy future and national security,” said Western Caucus Chairman Newhouse.
What's clear: America has the resources to develop a domestic supply chain for critical minerals. By doubling down on innovation and permitting reform, the U.S. can take major strides toward more secure and reliable clean energy supply chains.
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4. Move away from Russian nuclear fuel
As conflict in Russia and Ukraine disrupts the energy market, the U.S. needs to consider Russia’s influence on several global energy supply chains, including nuclear.
The majority of existing nuclear reactors require enriched uranium fuel, a supply chain currently dominated by Russia.
- While Russia only mines 6% of the world’s uranium, it accounts for 46% of uranium enrichment — almost half of the world’s supply.
What's clear: The U.S. needs to implement policy solutions that promote American innovation, unleash domestic resources, and eliminate dependence on foreign adversaries for energy resources.
What's clear: ClearPath advisor Paul Dabbar dives into this topic in his latest op-ed in The Hill.
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5. Jeff Morehouse selected for NREL executive leadership program
ClearPath Managing Director for Government Affairs Jeff Morehouse has been selected by the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to participate in its 2022 Executive Energy Leadership program.
Jeff is one of 20 participants selected from government and business leaders in energy to learn about advanced technology from NREL scientists and engineers and demonstrate their knowledge through innovative energy projects.
Congratulations, Jeff!
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6. ICYMI
- Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-CA) has changed her mind about California’s Diablo Canyon nuclear plant and now says it’s needed for grid reliability and to achieve climate goals.
- Last week, ClearPath CEO Rich Powell spoke on a panel alongside Reps. Newhouse (R-WA) and Crenshaw (R-TX) and NEI President and CEO Maria Korsnick at the American Conservation Coalition’s (ACC) inaugural summit in Washington.
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7. Coming down the pipeline
- June 22 - The Bipartisan Policy Center’s DAC Day event will discuss regional DAC hub implementation, featuring Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA). Register here.
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