On February 20, 2024, European Union (EU) legislators reached a provisional political agreement on a regulatory framework for the certification of carbon dioxide removals (CDR). CDR encompasses a wide range of nature- and technology-based activities that permanently or temporarily remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. While CDR is a part of the EU’s plan to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, it has not yet been incorporated into many of the EU’s climate policy vehicles, such as its Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). The Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) paves the way for the EU to incorporate CDR into its climate policies in practice, and to eventually establish a registry allowing a market-based trading of CDR “units.”
EU Negotiations Reach a Provisional Deal on Carbon Removal Certification Framework
February 21, 2024
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Speaking Sustainability
December 19, 2024
The twilight hours of the Biden administration and the 118th Congress have been marked by intense legislative and regulatory activity, underscored by
President-elect Trump’s derailment of last-minute congressional budget talks, and stalled progress on energy permitting reforms....
President-elect Trump’s derailment of last-minute congressional budget talks, and stalled progress on energy permitting reforms....
Speaking Sustainability
December 11, 2024
The Biden administration’s environmental policies and the future of infrastructure projects are facing pivotal legal challenges and political shifts. The U.S.
Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit questioned the viability of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2024 power plant emissions rule, particularly its
reliance on carbon capture technology, while the 6th Circuit overturned the EPA’s rejection of Kentucky’s smog plan, which comes only three days after the
EPA issued its defense of its “good neighbor” smog control plan responding to the Supreme Court’s decision to halt its implementation in June. Meanwhile, the
Supreme Court’s handling of the first National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) case in some time, Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County,
could substantially alter the scope of environmental reviews, with potential immediate implications for the oil & gas industry. These judicial reviews may be
influenced by a potential change in administration and Congress, as Trump-era officials, including Vivek Ramaswamy, advocate for scaling back NEPA regul......
Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit questioned the viability of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2024 power plant emissions rule, particularly its
reliance on carbon capture technology, while the 6th Circuit overturned the EPA’s rejection of Kentucky’s smog plan, which comes only three days after the
EPA issued its defense of its “good neighbor” smog control plan responding to the Supreme Court’s decision to halt its implementation in June. Meanwhile, the
Supreme Court’s handling of the first National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) case in some time, Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County,
could substantially alter the scope of environmental reviews, with potential immediate implications for the oil & gas industry. These judicial reviews may be
influenced by a potential change in administration and Congress, as Trump-era officials, including Vivek Ramaswamy, advocate for scaling back NEPA regul......
Speaking Sustainability
October 3, 2024
NYC Climate Week included over 900 events with an estimated 100,000 participants swarming the City. While indicative of growing interest in climate action,
some note that the record turnout foreshadows a smaller presence at COP 29 in Azerbaijan....
some note that the record turnout foreshadows a smaller presence at COP 29 in Azerbaijan....
Speaking Sustainability
September 19, 2024
Recent legislative and regulatory developments reflect ongoing tensions between environmental policies and economic priorities in the U.S. energy
landscape. The House Energy and Commerce Committee’s advancement of three resolutions targeting Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules on
power plants, vehicle emissions and air quality standards marks a broader Republican effort to counter President Biden’s environmental agenda, though
these resolutions face likely vetoes. In contrast, House Speaker Mike Johnson has signaled openness to retaining certain green energy tax credits, reflecting a
pragmatic approach as some Republican districts benefit from these investments. Simultaneously, bipartisan efforts to boost critical mineral production, led
by Senators Hickenlooper and Tillis, aim to reduce U.S. reliance on Chinese imports, while the White House has raised tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and
solar products, a move seen as both protective of domestic industries and potentially disruptive to supply chains. Legal battles continue, as seen in the judic......
landscape. The House Energy and Commerce Committee’s advancement of three resolutions targeting Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules on
power plants, vehicle emissions and air quality standards marks a broader Republican effort to counter President Biden’s environmental agenda, though
these resolutions face likely vetoes. In contrast, House Speaker Mike Johnson has signaled openness to retaining certain green energy tax credits, reflecting a
pragmatic approach as some Republican districts benefit from these investments. Simultaneously, bipartisan efforts to boost critical mineral production, led
by Senators Hickenlooper and Tillis, aim to reduce U.S. reliance on Chinese imports, while the White House has raised tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and
solar products, a move seen as both protective of domestic industries and potentially disruptive to supply chains. Legal battles continue, as seen in the judic......
Speaking Sustainability
September 12, 2024
After a recent permitting reform bill was passed out of a Senate Committee, House Republicans took steps to draft their own permitting reform legislation.
Rep. Westerman (R- AR) held a hearing to discuss his draft bill, which most notably places limitations on the environmental permitting process for energy
projects. This comes as both parties position energy policy as a key election issue, with Vice President Harris recognizing a role for oil and gas production
during the Presidential debate in response to Republican criticism of her climate policies. Meanwhile, former President Trump vowed to pull back unspent
dollars approved for greenhouse gas reduction and energy transition projects under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA has already spurred significant
renewable energy investment, particularly in rural electric co-ops using the funds to replace coal generation with clean energy and battery storage....
Rep. Westerman (R- AR) held a hearing to discuss his draft bill, which most notably places limitations on the environmental permitting process for energy
projects. This comes as both parties position energy policy as a key election issue, with Vice President Harris recognizing a role for oil and gas production
during the Presidential debate in response to Republican criticism of her climate policies. Meanwhile, former President Trump vowed to pull back unspent
dollars approved for greenhouse gas reduction and energy transition projects under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA has already spurred significant
renewable energy investment, particularly in rural electric co-ops using the funds to replace coal generation with clean energy and battery storage....
Speaking Sustainability
August 14, 2024
With U.S. elections rapidly approaching, presidential candidates are expected to foreshadow key aspects of their energy and environmental legislative and
policy agendas. In particular, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 may prompt Vice President Kamala Harris to balance legislative progress with her
environmental justice commitments. The proposed bill promises to expedite clean energy projects but also aids fossil fuel industries and potentially at odds
with front-line environmental justice communities. While White House climate adviser John Podesta expresses cautious optimism about the bill’s post-election
prospects, environmental groups are calling on Harris to oppose the bill. Similarly, Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, takes a nuanced
stance on mining projects near sensitive watersheds, balancing the difficult trade-offs in advancing clean energy mandates while maintaining resource
development. This exhibits the complex negotiations required to align bipartisan support behind the democratic ticket’s climate goals ahead of the presiden......
policy agendas. In particular, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 may prompt Vice President Kamala Harris to balance legislative progress with her
environmental justice commitments. The proposed bill promises to expedite clean energy projects but also aids fossil fuel industries and potentially at odds
with front-line environmental justice communities. While White House climate adviser John Podesta expresses cautious optimism about the bill’s post-election
prospects, environmental groups are calling on Harris to oppose the bill. Similarly, Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, takes a nuanced
stance on mining projects near sensitive watersheds, balancing the difficult trade-offs in advancing clean energy mandates while maintaining resource
development. This exhibits the complex negotiations required to align bipartisan support behind the democratic ticket’s climate goals ahead of the presiden......
Speaking Sustainability
August 8, 2024
On August 6, 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate in the 2024 election. Walz, a little-known figure
in national politics, serving in his second term as governor in Minnesota, has implemented far reaching energy policies after winning a democratic trifecta in
2023. Two bills establishing a mandate for carbon-free electricity in Minnesota by 2040 and simplifying the energy permitting process mirror current federal
policy proposals. Expect to see Walz on the campaign trail linking his experience to the need for federal action....
in national politics, serving in his second term as governor in Minnesota, has implemented far reaching energy policies after winning a democratic trifecta in
2023. Two bills establishing a mandate for carbon-free electricity in Minnesota by 2040 and simplifying the energy permitting process mirror current federal
policy proposals. Expect to see Walz on the campaign trail linking his experience to the need for federal action....
Speaking Sustainability
August 1, 2024
On Wednesday, July 31, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved a permitting and grid development package, spearheaded by Chair
Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY). The bipartisan bill paves the way for renewable energy projects, oil and gas leases, and grid
improvements, as well as reversing the Biden administration’s pause on liquefied natural gas export permits. This legislative progress aligns with the U.S.
Department of Energy’s allocation of $30 million in initial funding to the Appalachian hydrogen hub, which aims to significantly reduce carbon dioxide
emissions through hydrogen fueling stations and carbon storage sites. However, environmental groups are pushing back against the Manchin-Barrasso
permitting bill as well as newly proposed exemptions to the 45V hydrogen tax credits by Senate Democrats, arguing that these changes would undermine
carbon-reduction goals. Simultaneously, the Biden administration is investing $575 million in federal grants to enhance climate resilience in coastal commu......
Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY). The bipartisan bill paves the way for renewable energy projects, oil and gas leases, and grid
improvements, as well as reversing the Biden administration’s pause on liquefied natural gas export permits. This legislative progress aligns with the U.S.
Department of Energy’s allocation of $30 million in initial funding to the Appalachian hydrogen hub, which aims to significantly reduce carbon dioxide
emissions through hydrogen fueling stations and carbon storage sites. However, environmental groups are pushing back against the Manchin-Barrasso
permitting bill as well as newly proposed exemptions to the 45V hydrogen tax credits by Senate Democrats, arguing that these changes would undermine
carbon-reduction goals. Simultaneously, the Biden administration is investing $575 million in federal grants to enhance climate resilience in coastal commu......
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