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November 16, 2023

ACORE Supports the Department of Energy’s Proposed NEPA Reforms for Transmission and Clean Energy Projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In recognition of the need to streamline the siting and permitting of critical transmission and clean energy projects, the Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

The proposal, published in the Federal Register today, expands the scope of the “categorical exclusions” for transmission and clean energy. These exclusions apply to projects demonstrated to not have a significant environmental effect. The proposal revises existing exclusions for solar energy and transmission, including removing the mileage limitation for transmission upgrades and rebuilds, and allowing segments of lines to relocate to existing rights-of-way or within previously disturbed or developed lands. In addition, the proposal contains a new exclusion for certain energy storage projects within previously disturbed or developed areas.

Following is a statement from American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) President and CEO Gregory Wetstone on the proposal:

“A dramatic increase in renewable energy and transmission infrastructure is needed to enhance reliability, lower energy costs, and maximize the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act. A key barrier is the often lengthy siting and permitting process.

“ACORE supports the use of categorical exclusions for projects that will produce a cleaner grid and not adversely impact the environment. This mechanism improves siting and permitting while maintaining NEPA’s core environmental provisions.

“We are pleased with the proposal released today and look forward to engaging with the Energy Department on a final rule that will efficiently advance U.S. climate and renewable energy objectives in a safe and environmentally sound manner.”

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About ACORE:
For more than 20 years, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) has been the nation’s premier pan-renewable nonprofit organization. ACORE unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a renewable energy economy. For more information, please visit www.acore.org.

Media Contacts:
Alex Hobson
Sr. Vice President, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
hobson@acore.org | 202.830.3592 (o) | 202.594.0706 (c)

Dylan Helms
Associate, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
helms@acore.org | 202.935.6491 (o) | 727.290.8804 (c)

The post ACORE Supports the Department of Energy’s Proposed NEPA Reforms for Transmission and Clean Energy Projects appeared first on ACORE.

ACORE Supports the Department of Energy’s Proposed NEPA Reforms for Transmission and Clean Energy Projects

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Renewable Energy

Carbon Capture and Synthetic Fuels

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As we’ve noted in the past, the idea of capturing CO2 from the atmosphere is completely unfeasible, since 99.96% of the air around is something other than CO2 (mostly nitrogen).  However, there are environments that change this equation radically, cement plants being one of them, where the concentration of CO2 emissions is as high as 30% (versus .04%).

Now, this brings the subject of synthetic fuels into the realm of possibility.  Sure, if you want to make gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, you’ll need two other things: hydrogen (which can come from electrolyzing water), and a considerable amount of energy, as these processes are heavily endothermic, meaning that energy must be supplied from external sources.

The good news is that we have enormous amounts of off-peak wind and nuclear that are wasted every day.  Please see: Doty WindFuels.

Carbon Capture and Synthetic Fuels

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Renewable Energy

What Trump Is Actually Doing

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With each passing day, there are fewer and fewer American voters who believe the bullshit at left.

Is Trump working hard to stay out of prison? Enrich himself and his family?  Of course.

Could be possibly care less about anything else? Obviously not.

What Trump Is Actually Doing

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Renewable Energy

Flagging Tourism to the United States

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What’s the thought process of people in the rest of the developed world when it comes to visiting the U.S.?

Conversely, would you or I want to visit some country with a deeply corrupt regime that is systematically committing atrocities all around the globe, and whose leader is lining his pockets?

I’m glad I don’t own a resort in New England that counts on a flow of visitors from Canada.  If I were a Canadian, I’d be thinking I’d rather visit hell.

Flagging Tourism to the United States

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