Welcome to your Friday Rundown for the week ending Sept. 22. Your feedback is also welcome at info@clearpathaction.org.
INDIA SERIOUS ABOUT EXPLORING CARBON CAPTURE
ClearPath Founder Jay Faison met with India’s Secretary of Coal Susheel Kumar at the International Energy Agency’s recent Post Combustion Capture Conference in Birmingham, and left impressed not only with Kumar personally but also that the Indian government is serious about exploring carbon capture technologies. India has threaded clean energy throughout its 2035 Technology Vision but also isn’t hesitating to expand its coal-fired power.
Jay shared his observations on his meeting with Kumar in the first of a series of quick takes on our blog:
Last October, Jay explained why increased coal use in India is a clear example of the need for U.S.-led carbon capture technologies. Energy demand there is going to quadruple, requiring a rapid build-out in new and reliable electricity sources.
Monday kicks off a packed National Clean Energy Week, an effort led by Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions and including ClearPath and major nuclear, hydropower, renewable power and other organizations.
On Tuesday, Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke will speak on a panel at the Reserve Officers Association on Capitol Hill moderated by former Sen. Kelly Ayotte, a senior advisor at CRES. Others expected to speak at the all-day symposium include Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a leading congressional hydropower supporter, and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).
NEWS NUGGETS
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved the nominations of Kevin McIntyre to be the next chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Richard Glick to be a Democratic member of the commission. Both were moved to the full Senate by voice vote and without opposition.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee postponed a planned hearing Wednesday on several nominations, including a new five-year term for Democrat Jeff Baran on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. A makeup date hasn’t been announced.
Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Angus King (I-Maine) introduced a bill expediting FERC permits of interstate natural gas pipelines. DETAILS
SPEED READ
Hand-to-Hand Combat on Nuclear Incentives E&E DAILY
TUESDAYSenate Energy and Natural Committee hearing on the nominations of Bruce Walker to be assistant energy secretary for electricity delivery and energy reliability and Steven Winberg to be assistant secretary for fossil energy. DETAILS
TUESDAYHouse Energy Subcommittee hearing on “Technology’s Role in Empowering Consumers,” focusing on “newer technologies that empower consumers by providing them greater control over their electricity consumption and generation.” DETAILS
TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY The National Coal Council fall meeting, with keynote speeches from National Energy Technology Laboratory Director Grace Bochenek and U.S. Chamber Global Energy Institute Senior Director Dan Byers. DETAILS