Senate Takes Up Bipartisan American Energy Innovation Act

The American Energy Innovation Act Includes The Bipartisan Nuclear Energy Leadership Act, Which Would Work To Reestablish The U.S. At The Forefront Of Nuclear Energy By Boosting Innovation And Development Of Advanced Reactors

SEN. MURKOWSKI: “As we seek to maintain electric reliability, keep energy prices affordable, and address climate change, nuclear power stands out as one of our very best options. We once led the world in nuclear energy … It is imperative that we reverse that trend and develop advanced nuclear technologies domestically. Our bipartisan bill will provide the tools, resources, and partnerships necessary to reestablish U.S. global leadership …” (U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, Press Release, 5/27/2019)

SEN. CORY GARDNER (R-CO), Nuclear Energy Leadership Act Cosponsor: “In order to reduce emissions and keep electricity prices affordable for Coloradans, we need an all-of-the-above energy strategy, including nuclear power. Nuclear power is a zero-emission baseload power source that is cleaner for the environment and can go a long way in the fight to combat climate change. This bipartisan legislation is an important step forward …” (U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, Press Release, 5/27/2019)

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM (R-SC), Nuclear Energy Leadership Act Cosponsor: “Advanced reactors are the future – clean, safe, and reliable. This bipartisan bill ensures the United States remains a leader in advancing nuclear technology.” (U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, Press Release, 5/27/2019)

SEN. CHRIS COONS (D-DE), Nuclear Energy Leadership Act Cosponsor: “Safe, reliable nuclear energy is a key part of our approach to combating climate change … That’s why I’m working with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to support the development and commercialization of next-generation nuclear technologies right here in the United States.” (U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, Press Release, 5/27/2019)

U.S. NUCLEAR INDUSTRY COUNCIL: “AEIA sends a strong signal globally that the U.S. is committed to a multi-faceted array of efforts to improve our production and use of energy – and that one of those is making the U.S. the nuclear energy capital of the world as well as propelling its leading-edge advanced nuclear energy technology … AEIA sounds a strong bipartisan message –particularly to Russia and China –that America’s world-class supply-chain will play a central role in providing clean, economical, reliable, flexible and passively-safe best-in-class technology worldwide.” (Bud Albright and Jeffrey S. Merrifield, Letter to Sens. Murkowski and Manchin, 3/02/2020)

NUCLEAR ENERGY INSTITUTE: “This legislation sends an unmistakable signal that the United States intends to re-commit itself as a global leader in clean, advanced nuclear technology…. For the American nuclear industry to compete globally, we must have significant collaboration among the federal government, our national labs and private industry to accelerate innovation. NELA provides the means for America to continue to lead in nuclear energy technology.” (NEI, Press Release, 5/27/2019)

The American Energy Innovation Act Includes The Bipartisan American Mineral Security Act, Which Would Reduce U.S. Dependence On Foreign Supply And ‘Ensure A Secure And Reliable Supply Of Minerals That Are Critical To Clean Energy, Manufacturing, And Defense’

“The United States depends on foreign sources for more than half of our supply of 46 different minerals, and relies completely on imports for our supply of 17 of them. AEIA reduces America’s dependence on foreign suppliers to ensure a secure and reliable supply of minerals that are critical to clean energy, manufacturing, and defense.” (U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, Press Release, 3/03/2020)

SEN. MURKOWSKI: “I have included the American Mineral Security Act, which recognizes that our foreign mineral dependence is really our Achilles' heel. Right now in the United States, we import at least 50 percent of 46 minerals, including 100 percent of 17 of them. What we have seen is a foreign dependence that has grown significantly over the recent years. What we seek to do is to take some real steps to reverse that and rebuild our domestic supply chain. If we can do that, everyone from our military to our manufacturers will benefit.” (Sen. Murkowski, Congressional Record, S.1247, 3/02/2020)

SEN. MARTHA McSALLY (R-AZ), American Mineral Security Act Cosponsor: “Mining and mineral production is central to Arizona’s economy and identity. The bipartisan American Mineral Security Act will modernize our nation’s approach to critical mineral procurement to boost U.S. production, create jobs, and improve our national security – all while maintaining strong environmental protections.” (Sen. McSally, Press Release, 5/06/2019)

SEN. MANCHIN, American Mineral Security Act Cosponsor: “The bill will also help to shore up our supply chain of critical minerals because we are currently depending on imports from other countries--namely China--for many of the mineral commodities required to manufacture everyday items like our phones, security assets like satellites, and emissions-reducing technology like electric vehicles and wind turbines.” (Sen. Manchin, Congressional Record, S.1245, 3/02/2020)

NATIONAL MINING ASSOCIATION: “The World Bank projects that demand for the key minerals needed for future technologies could jump 1,000 percent in the coming years. Without action, as demand increases permitting hurdles will continue to obstruct our domestic supply, causing alarming overreliance on foreign imports for the minerals we need and weakening the competitiveness of critical industries. This legislation will better-position the U.S. to achieve lasting minerals security while securing the essential supply chains of tomorrow from within our own borders.” (National Mining Association, Press Release, 2/27/2020)

SECURING AMERICA’S FUTURE ENERGY: “The United States Senate has an opportunity to enable our country to combat the long-term threat China’s dominance poses to the competitiveness of American industry. In a worst-case scenario, China’s foray into the mineral supply chain and vehicle manufacturing could result in the loss of a significant portion of the U.S. automotive manufacturing industry. By including, and specifically addressing, the critical mineral supply in the American Energy Innovation Act, the Senate can begin to address this incredibly important issue.” (U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, Press Release, 3/2020)

The American Energy Innovation Act Includes Bills Designed To Promote Carbon Capture, Utilization, And Storage, Which Would Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions And Encourage Affordable American Energy

SEN. MURKOWSKI: “Carbon capture offers great potential to reduce emissions and will complement other clean technologies like advanced nuclear and renewable energy.” (U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, Press Release, 4/11/2019)

SEN. STEVE DAINES (R-MT): “The United States is a leader in high-paying energy jobs, innovation, and reduction of carbon emissions. The bipartisan EFFECT Act will propel American innovation by pushing Carbon Capture Technology to the next stage of commercialization, lowering prices, and protecting high-paying coal jobs.” (U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, Press Release, 4/11/2019)

SEN. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO (R-WV): “Making the most of our coal and natural gas resources; promoting carbon capture, utilization, and storage; and further exploring carbon removal are all critical parts of an all-of-the-above energy strategy. Not only do these efforts help maximize West Virginia’s—and our entire country’s—energy potential, but they also help address environmental concerns and encourage economic growth.” (U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, Press Release, 4/11/2019)

SEN. JOHN CORNYN (R-TX): “I’m grateful to my colleagues on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, including Chairman Murkowski, for recognizing the potential of this legislation [the LEADING Act]. Ensuring a reliable, affordable, and environmentally-friendly energy supply through this bill is a much better solution …” (Sen. Cornyn, Press Release, 3/02/2020)

• “U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) announced today that his Launching Energy Advancement and Development through Innovations for Natural Gas (LEADING) Act will be considered by the Senate this week after being included in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s American Energy Innovation Act…. The LEADING Act would incentivize research and development of carbon capture technology for natural gas to ensure a reliable, affordable, and environmentally sound energy supply. The LEADING Act will promote the continued use of natural gas so we can keep energy bills low, maintain U.S. energy security, and protect the environment all at the same time.” (Sen. Cornyn, Press Release, 3/02/2020)

SEN. MANCHIN: “We also included my EFFECT Act, which invests in research and development and, just as importantly, demonstration and deployment for each aspect of carbon capture, utilization, and storage. This includes coal and natural gas technologies, utilization, storage, and even atmospheric CO2 removal.” (Sen. Manchin, Congressional Record, S.1245, 3/02/2020)

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY: “The Nature Conservancy is grateful for the bipartisan leadership of Sens. Murkowski and Manchin and is pleased to support the American Energy Innovation Act…. The bills in this package provide much-needed support for the development and commercial deployment of technologies that reduce emissions, such as carbon capture; that promote more efficient energy use in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities; and that help to build a modern electric grid with increased battery storage and more renewable power sources like wind and solar.” (The Nature Conservancy, Press Release, 2/27/2020)

ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND: “Environmental Defense Fund supports S.2657, the American Energy Innovation Act, introduced by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Lisa Murkowski and Ranking Member Joe Manchin. Spurring innovation in a wide range of low- and zero-carbon technologies will be a critical component of fighting climate change efficiently while investing in America’s economy…. [W]e applaud the Senators for their initiative on this effort to support clean energy innovation.” (Environmental Defense Fund, Press Release, 2/27/2020)

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION FOUNDATION: “The Murkowski-Manchin bill would accelerate progress on key climate technologies that are close to becoming cost effective, such as energy storage and carbon capture for natural gas power plants. It would authorize federal action for the first time on climate-tech that the world will need but hasn’t seriously begun to develop, for instance, systems to eliminate industrial emissions and remove carbon from the air. And it would strengthen the digital and organizational infrastructure upon which successful global deployment of climate-tech ultimately depends.” (U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, Press Release, 3/2020)