Nuclear is fusing Republicans and Democrats

Presented by American Chemistry Council – Chemistry Creates America Competes: Your guide to the political forces shaping the energy transformation

Feb 06, 2024 View in browser   By Christian Robles Presented by Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.) is a senior appropriator and co-chair of the Fusion Caucus. | Francis Chung/POLITICO An increasing number of Republicans and Democrats are rallying behind a clean energy source — albeit one that is likely decades away. But it’s unclear if that growing support for nuclear fusion will translate into funding or progress on a technology that’s long been known for “always being 30 years away,” writes Nico Portuondo. Since its founding in 2021, the Congressional Fusion Caucus has grown from 11 lawmakers to 92. In the coming weeks, senators are also expected to announce their own version of the group. “I have not had a single conversation with a lawmaker on either side who said, ‘That’s stupid,’ even those from oil patches in Texas,” said caucus founder Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.). Caucus members have notched a few legislative wins in recent months. Fusion Caucus co-Chair Lori Trahan (D-Mass.) successfully attached an amendment to a bipartisan nuclear energy package that would ensure fusion projects aren’t regulated like nuclear fission reactors. And fellow co-Chair Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.) included language in the House’s fiscal 2024 energy-water spending bill directing the Department of Energy to set a timetable to move its fusion projects from its research office into its commercial development arm. But House Republicans are proposing only a 2 percent jump in funding for DOE’s Fusion Energy Sciences budget, bringing the program’s total budget to $778 million — well short of the $1 billion target in the CHIPS and Science Act. It remains to be seen if the Senate version includes a bump at all. “Simply put, the currently proposed House and Senate appropriations numbers won’t get the job done,” said House Science ranking member and Fusion Caucus member Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.). Supporters have hoped for decades that fusion — the same process that powers the sun and the hydrogen bomb — could someday provide vast amounts of carbon-free energy, without the risks of current nuclear fission reactors. But that also comes with an important reality check: It’s not going to solve Washington’s quandaries about how to respond to climate change. Even with additional federal support, experts say it will take several decades for nuclear fusion plants to come online — long after the world needs to make sharp cuts in carbon pollution. And even if fusion can be deployed much sooner, making use of that power would probably still require the U.S. to expand its electricity grid — one of the greatest hurdles in the transition to renewable energy.   It's Tuesday — thank you for tuning in to POLITICO's Power Switch. I'm your host, Christian Robles. Power Switch is brought to you by the journalists behind E&E News and POLITICO Energy. Send your tips, comments, questions to crobles@eenews.net.   YOUR GUIDE TO EMPIRE STATE POLITICS: From the newsroom that doesn’t sleep, POLITICO's New York Playbook is the ultimate guide for power players navigating the intricate landscape of Empire State politics. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest and most important stories from Albany, New York City and around the state, with in-depth, original reporting to stay ahead of policy trends and political developments. Subscribe now to keep up with the daily hustle and bustle of NY politics.      Listen to today’s POLITICO Energy podcast Today in POLITICO Energy’s podcast: Blanca Begert talks about how California officials are willing to step up to help as the U.S. and China both transition to new climate diplomats.   A message from American Chemistry Council – Chemistry Creates America Competes: President Biden: American chemistry is the backbone of innovation. It's time to address the regulatory overload stifling American chemistry. Chemistry powers our semiconductors, medical devices, and clean energy initiatives. But your administration’s avalanche of regulations is hampering America’s progress and competitiveness. American chemistry is more than an industry; it's our future. The Biden Administration must commit to smarter, growth-oriented regulations before it’s too late - because when chemistry is enabled to create, America competes.   Power Centers Biomass bricks created at Graphyte’s new Pine Bluff, Arkansas, carbon removal facility. | Graphyte The world's largest carbon removal plant is set to open Graphyte, a startup backed by Bill Gates, plans to begin operating what could be the largest carbon removal plant in the world this week, writes Corbin Hiar. The southern Arkansas facility plans to turn carbon-dense sawdust and other waste into shoe box-sized biomass bricks that will be stored underground, reducing planet-warming emissions. The facility is expected to remove 15,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere this year before removing a further 50,000 metric tons next year. The announcement comes as the fledgling carbon removal industry starts to take off thanks to support from governments and contracts with climate-conscious corporations. Judges hear Willow project appeal Opponents of the Willow oil drilling project in Alaska argued in federal court that the Biden administration must do more to mitigate the project's environmental harms, writes Niina Farah. Two of the three judges assigned to the case in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals appeared at Monday's oral arguments. Judge Danielle Forrest, a Trump appointee, appeared to question the opponents' claim that the administration could put more environmental protections in place after oil leases were issued. Judge Gabriel Sanchez, a Biden appointee, appeared skeptical of the administration's defense of the Willow oil leases. The administration approved the Willow project last year over criticism from environmental and Indigenous groups. The industries gunning for SCOTUS to upend Chevron Vape pen manufacturers, meat and poultry producers, and fossil fuel companies are among a list of corporations pushing for the Supreme Court to weaken a legal tool the government has used to defend its regulations, writes Pamela King. And the court appears ready to follow industry's lead — justices seemed receptive to arguments that agency experts shouldn't receive special consideration in legal battles over regulations. The court's decision to weigh in on the legal tool known as the Chevron doctrine comes as researchers suggest the current court is the most pro-business in over 100 years.   A message from American Chemistry Council – Chemistry Creates America Competes:   In Other News California storm: A powerful storm in California that has killed three people continued to rain down on the state Tuesday, raising flooding and mudslide concerns. Lululemon, yoga and climate: Members of the yoga community are pressuring athletic apparel retailer Lululemon to turn its climate-conscious rhetoric into action like making its supply chain 100 percent renewable.   A message from American Chemistry Council – Chemistry Creates America Competes: President Biden, America’s priorities depend on chemistry America’s chemical industry is the foundation of semiconductors, medical devices, infrastructure, defense, clean energy and more. But there's a looming threat – ballooning regulatory overload. Over the past two decades, regulations on chemical manufacturing have doubled. This isn't just numbers, it's a reality that hampers policies like the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the Chips and Science Act. The Biden Administration’s current approach is a direct hit to America's innovation and global standing. We need to wake up to the reality that over-regulation stifles growth and production. It's time for the Biden Administration to adopt smarter, growth-oriented regulations. Join us in urging the Biden Administration to stop undercutting national priorities and American competitiveness. American chemistry isn't just an industry -- it's our future. When Chemistry Creates, America Competes.   Subscriber Zone A showcase of some of our best subscriber content. The Calcasieu Pass liquefied natural gas terminal in Louisiana is pictured. | Venture Global LNG A State Department official is assuring allies that the Biden administration’s timeout on gas export approvals is temporary — and not a “moratorium or a reversal.” Several climate scientists say it's time to update the widely used Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale to include a Category 6, as a warming planet produces more hurricanes far stronger than the current top Category 5. Exxon Mobil will continue to pursue a lawsuit against two shareholders even after they ended an effort to speed up the oil company's goals to reduce carbon emissions. That's it for today, folks! Thanks for reading.   DON’T MISS POLITICO’S GOVERNORS SUMMIT: Join POLITICO on Feb. 22 to dive into how Governors are wielding immense power. While Washington remains gridlocked, governors are at the center of landmark decisions in AI and tech, economic development, infrastructure, housing, reproductive health and energy. How are they setting the stage for the future of American politics, policies and priorities? How are they confronting major challenges? Explore these questions and more at the 2024 Governors Summit. REGISTER HERE.       Follow us on Twitter Arianna Skibell @ariannaskibell   Follow us

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