August 4, 2020
The Honorable James Inhofe The Honorable Jack Reed
Chairman Ranking Member
Senate Committee on Armed Services Senate Committee on Armed Services
228 Russell Senate Office Building 228 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Adam Smith The Honorable Mac Thornberry
Chairman Ranking Member
House Armed Services Committee House Armed Services Committee
2216 Rayburn House Office Building 2216 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chairman Inhofe, Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Reed, and Ranking Member Thornberry:
As members of the House and Senate work to resolve differences between their respective versions of the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES), respectfully requests the consideration of important clean energy innovation provisions in the final agreement. CRES is a right-of-center, non-profit that advances clean energy through market-friendly, fiscally responsible solutions that grow jobs, strengthen the economy, and preserve our environment.
This year’s NDAA provides a pathway for Congress to enact meaningful policies to increase America’s energy independence, reduce carbon emissions, and make advances in energy innovation. CRES strongly urges conferees to support the following Senate provisions in a final House-Senate conference agreement:
- 903, the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act, advanced by Senators Lisa Murkowski and Cory Booker, will reestablish U.S. leadership in nuclear energy. It will strengthen domestic nuclear capabilities and advance our nation’s national security interests. CRES supports increased investment in advanced nuclear energy, which will provide safe, clean, reliable, and affordable power while promoting our country’s national security.
- 383, the Utilizing Significant Emissions with Innovative Technologies Act (USE IT Act), advanced by Senators John Barrasso and Sheldon Whitehouse, supports carbon utilization and direct air capture research. USE IT will increase federal, state, and non-governmental collaboration in the construction and development of carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) facilities and carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines. CRES supports this critical technology to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from fossil-fueled power plants and other industrial activities. CCUS also helps to provide energy security by securing energy diversity and furthering investments made in existing infrastructure.
- 2048, the Joint Long-Term Storage Act introduced by Senators Martha McSally and Angus King, will increase our nation’s capabilities in long term energy storage capacity. The bill requires the Secretary of Energy to establish a demonstration initiative focused on the development of long-duration energy storage technologies, including a joint program with the Secretary of Defense. CRES supports the development of long-duration energy storage technologies, such as providing power to the electric grid for durations of 10 to approximately 100 hours which would ensure grid reliability, resilience and support our national security.
CRES recognizes how challenging this year has been for our country due to the Covid pandemic and associated economic contraction. However, we firmly believe that investment in our future is now more important than ever and the bills mentioned above have the opportunity to create jobs, increase our energy and national security, and ensure the U.S. is a global leader in innovation and clean energy. Thank you for your consideration of these requests. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Sincerely,
Chris Mathey
Vice President, Government Affairs
Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES)