Posted on May 4, 2023 by Grant Cummings and Emily Johnson
As the world increasingly turns towards clean energy solutions, the demand for carbon capture technology will only continue to grow. Fortunately, America has been abundantly blessed with vast natural resources — and the technology to make energy reliable, affordable, and clean.
With a long history of innovation and expertise in the energy sector, Houston is the perfect place to showcase recent advances in clean energy development. Home to one of the largest petrochemical manufacturing complexes in the United States and positioned to leverage the state’s robust energy workforce, the city has been and will continue to be a major energy hub. But it’s Houston’s commitment to cutting-edge carbon capture technology that sets it apart.
With that in mind, ClearPath brought a delegation of Members of Congress and Congressional staff to visit the energy capital of the world, Houston, Texas, to engage with key industry stakeholders and visit steel-in-the-ground projects.
The delegation included Members of Congress and Congressional staff from key Congressional committees that have jurisdiction over energy issues.
The delegation included:
- Congressman Brian Babin (R-TX)
- Congressman John Curtis (R-UT)
- Congressman Chuck Edwards (R-NC)
- Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC)
- Congressional staff including representatives of the U.S. House and Senate Texas delegation and U.S. House Natural Resources Committee
During their time in the Houston region, the delegation met with dozens of clean industry leaders and innovators, including keynote speakers Jane Stricker, SVP, Energy Transitions and Executive Director, Houston Energy Transition Initiative; and Michael Avery, President and General Manager for Direct Air Capture (DAC), North America, 1PointFive – an Oxy subsidiary.
The theme of the trip was clear – we need to modernize permitting in America. Far too often, companies are ready to invest but are being held back by lengthy and overly onerous regulatory processes. Improving the efficiency of the permitting process will make U.S. energy more reliable and get more projects built.
Notably, ClearPath returned to NET Power, the world’s first supercritical carbon dioxide power plant. This technology has the ability to capture almost 100% of the emissions generated from reliable energy sources. The captured CO2 is then directed back underground, where it can be safely stored.
Pictured above: The Congressional Delegation visited NET Power in LaPorte, TX.
The delegation also had the opportunity to visit Linde’s Clear Lake HyCO Plant in Pasadena, Texas, to learn how one of the pioneers of clean hydrogen production plans to scale up its operations through strategic partnerships in the region.
Pictured above (L to R): Jeremy Harrell, Chief Strategy Officer, ClearPath; Congressman John Curtis (R-UT); Congressman Chuck Edwards (R-NC);
Congressman Brian Babin (R-TX); Dan Yankowski, President of Linde Gases, North America; Jay Faison, Founder, ClearPath;
and Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC) at Linde’s Clear Lake HyCO Plant.
“Houston is one of the fine examples of how American innovation moves us toward clean energy solutions,” said Rep. John Curtis (R-UT). “This visit is a great reminder of how our friends in the fossil fuel industry can lower emissions while providing affordable, reliable, clean, and safe energy to power our homes and industry.”
“To reduce carbon emissions while maintaining energy security, American technology must lead the way,” said Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC).
Texas is on the brink of an exciting chapter in its energy story, one that promises to revolutionize the industry and make U.S. energy cleaner, reliable, and more secure. As the energy capital of the world, Houston is leading the charge in developing and commercializing carbon capture technologies and is positioning the state to play a major role in the future of clean energy. We look forward to continuing to partner with the delegation to continue to build upon this exciting momentum, while also making America resource independent and keeping energy affordable.
