Sam J.Key Energy Proposals & Actions for Quarter 1, 2021
Updated: Nov 3, 2021
January 2021: The Clean Power Plan from 2015 is back on track with a goal to reduce 32% of U.S. emissions below 2005 emissions by 2030, instead of less than 2% proposed by the Affordable Clean Energy Rule of 2019.
January 2021: The United States rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement and blocked construction of Keystone XL Pipeline.
January 2021: Several executive actions were introduced:
tackle climate change
support science and clean energy
help disadvantaged communities via producing carbon-free electricity
zero-emission American-made vehicles
eliminate fossil fuel subsidies
make more federal operations more resilient to climate change
establish moratorium on new oil and gas on federal lands
set goal of conserving at least 30% of U.S. lands and oceans by 2030
funding for new government groups - Office of Domestic Climate Policy, National Climate Task Force, and Special Envoy for Climate.
February 2021: Reintroduced the GREEN ACT (Growing Renewable Energy and Efficiency) which would expand on the current 26% ITC (Investment Tax Credit) with a stand alone energy storage ITC.
February 2021: The Department of Energy (DOE) announced $100 million in supporting the newly established Climate Innovation Advanced Research Project. This will aid in coordinating and strengthening federal efforts to foster technologies that will help achieve a net zero emissions goal for the U.S. by 2050.
March 2021: The American Jobs in Energy Manufacturing Act of 2021 was unveiled, proposed to provide manufacturer tax credits for the following:
advanced electric grid updates
energy storage
fuel cell equipment
renewable energy
energy efficiency equipment
give $4 billion for transitioning workers from retired/closed coal plants.
March 2021: The CLEAN Act (Climate Leadership and Environmental Action for our Nation's Future) was introduced, highlighting to:
Incentivize energy supplies to increase their renewable energy capacity by 2023
Energy suppliers must hit 100% net-zero emissions by 2035
Modernize the electric grid and supporting clean energy microgrids
Increase the use of renewable energy and advanced nuclear power technologies
Increase energy efficiency in buildings, homes, and appliances
Support clean transportation, including electric vehicles and related charging infrastructure
Issue greenhouse gas standards for certain vehicles, engines, and aircraft
Promote manufacturing and industrial decarbonization, including through buy-clean programs
Support environmental justice efforts
Reduce methane, plastics, and super pollutants
March 2021: The Department of Energy announced a goal to cut the cost of solar by 60% within the next 10 years!
"By the year 2035, solar pv could represent between 30%-50% of electricity supply" in the U.S." - DOE
March 2021: The American Jobs Plan was revealed, proposed to invest $2 trillion in infrastructure plans that would create millions of jobs, rebuild and target the benefits of climate and clean infrastructure investments to disadvantaged communities. This plan also proposes solar to have a 10 year ITC extension.
April 2021: The White House releases an outline of ways to invest in coal and power plant economic revitalization, such as:
$75 million in funding to engineer carbon capture projects
$19.5 million in funding awards for critical mineral extraction from coal and associated waste streams
$15 million for geothermal energy research projects at West Virginia University and Sandia National Laboratories
"Department of Energy Announces $109.5 Million to Support Energy Jobs, Executive Director to Spearhead Interagency Efforts" - The White House
Sylvia, Tim. (2021, April 1st) "Here's a recap of key energy proposals from the Biden Administration and Congress". PV Magazine. https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2021/04/01/heres-a-recap-of-key-energy-proposals-from-the-biden-administration-and-congress/?fbclid=IwAR0uR0JRa1ukukphfWSl4N8d27z2J7P4HHXLjWKnA3pnQUdOn9INSQcF_1A