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The policies, the projects, the players, the impact
Energy & Environment 2021
The policies, the projects, the players, the impact
Table of Contents
Honest leadership, private sector innovation are key to an energy policy Combatting climate change by revitalizing our
that benefits households and reduces emissions ......................................3 nation’s infrastructure ...............................................................................19
Governor Tate Reeves U.S. Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney
Natural gas is critical to our cleaner energy future ...................................4
Rebound must be fueled by comprehensive energy infrastructure ............20
U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito
U.S. Rep. Michael C. Burgess, M.D.
Innovation is the political sweet spot for climate solutions ......................5
Rich Powell, ClearPath Time to deliver the Postal Vehicle Modernization Act ................................21
U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman
Natural gas infrastructure plays essential role in
our low carbon energy future Waste-to-Energy: Proven renewable baseload power
Innovating today to meet our customers’ energy needs tomorrow ............................6 solution to combat methane emissions ......................................................22
Donald “Blue” Jenkins, Washington Gas
Jimmy Morgan, The Babcock and Wilcox Company
No need to raise taxes to fund infrastructure and
protect the environment ............................................................................8 Conversations about climate must include farmers ...................................24
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik
Shuttering the U.S. energy renaissance will hit Don’t fix what’s not broken: keep energy policy with renewables
American families’ finances .......................................................................9 that doesn’t slash jobs ...............................................................................25
U.S. Sen. John Boozman U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman
Our commitment to a clean,resilient energy future ...................................10
Environmental protection and individual liberty can coexist,
Karen Harbert, American Gas Association
look to the Lowcountry ..............................................................................26
Agriculture should be in the driver’s seat on carbon policy .......................12 U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace
TIMESSUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES
U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, M.D.
Critical minerals, critical for our future .....................................................27
Iowa leading the way in investment, increased production, U.S. Rep. Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S.
energy independence .................................................................................13
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst Economy-destroying climate plans target nonexistent ‘crisis’ ...................28
There is no climate emergency James Taylor, The Heartland Institute
We love CO2 and so should you ..........................................................................14
Gregory Wrightstone, CO2 Coalition Trust America’s innovatory spirit to protect the environment,
grow the economy ......................................................................................30
Our communities are counting on bipartisan U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith
work, not a war of words ...........................................................................16
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio Florida’s fight for clean, safe water and its ripple effect ...........................31
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Shortsighted energy policies gamble Louisianans’ U.S. Rep. Brian Mast
WASHINGTON
livelihoods, environment ............................................................................17
If you want to build it, streamline environmental regulations ...................32
U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy
U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert
A SPECIAL
Support U.S. economic well-being,
Power the future with an all-of-the-above energy solution ........................34
| THE
not undermine it, with energy policy .........................................................18
Whip Steve Scalise and U.S. Rep. August Pfluger U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko
Thursday • April 22 • 2021
Tony Hill Larry T. Beasley Thomas P. McDevitt David Dadisman Patrick Crofoot
Director of ADvertising ceo chAirmAn generAl mAnAger grAphics supervisor
& integrAteD sAles
Christopher Dolan Joseph E. Teipe, Jr. Lea Anne Foster
Advertising Department: presiDent & executive vice speciAl sections
202-636-3027 executive eDitor presiDent freelAnce eDitor
SPECIAL SECTIONS Special Sections are multipage tabloid products that run in The Washington Times daily newspaper and are posted online and in PDF form on its website. Sponsors and
advertisers collaborate with The Times’ advertising and marketing departments to highlight a variety of issues and events. Unless otherwise identified, Special Sections
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Honest leadership, private sector innovation
are key to an energy policy that benefits
households and reduces emissions
on the principles of what’s best for the sectors in the U.S. economy and a major serious strategy – or an honest attempt
American economy and for emissions competitive advantage for our country. to reduce emissions.
reductions. Problems are solved through The recently proposed, so-called Made We need honesty out of Washington
public policy’s ability to spur private in America Tax Plan, is actually pretty and that starts with admitting that do-
investment and innovation. transparent in laying out President mestic oil and clean-burning natural gas
One area in need of investment is Biden’s intention to destroy the oil and are permanent parts of our energy sec-
carbon-free nuclear power. In the 1970s, gas industry. Under Biden’s plan, doing tor. Our objective is to make using and
power companies across the country business in Iran would be easier than transporting energy a cleaner endeavor
built more than 100 nuclear reactors that doing business in the U.S. Why would than it is today – not pretending this
have provided as much as 20% of our we want to go back to relying on the industry will or even could just go away.
country’s electric power. The effort was Middle East for our energy supply? Our economy depends on it.
an enormous economic boon for the Thousands in my small state of Mis- If it will make the Democrats feel bet-
By Governor Tate Reeves
A
fter years, the debate on
energy and climate is
somehow lacking serious-
ness. If the White House
and Congressional Demo-
crats were being transpar-
ent about their intentions, they’d admit
their climate policy agenda has two
main goals: destroying the U.S. oil and
gas industry and increasing government
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spending on favored projects, financed
by higher energy costs on American
households and businesses.
While the Democrats seek to incite
panic, missing is the recognition of just
how fundamental energy is to every-
thing in the economy. Let’s look at the
facts. The U.S. is the world leader on In the case of energy and climate change, serious policy solutions
energy not only in economic terms but should be based on the principles of what’s best for the American
also in environmental gains - for now at
least. Why are we the leader in envi-
economy and for emissions reductions. Problems are solved through
ronmental gains? It’s because the robust public policy’s ability to spur private investment and innovation.
American economy innovates and finds
new, cleaner solutions.
But that truth is too inconvenient for country, and still employs many thou- sissippi work in the oil and gas industry. ter to hear from someone on their side
liberal Democrats in Washington. They sands in high-paying jobs. These plants For the many young adults working in of the aisle, they should remember and
use climate policy as a cover for their have long lives but are nearing the end the business making $70,000 or more ponder the words of Democratic strate-
real intent – destroying the hydrocar- of their useful service. per year for their families, simply telling gist James Carville, “It’s the economy,
bon industry and raising taxes to spend If the Democrats were actually them to go seek another job with similar stupid.” Biden’s policies may be good for
money on pet government projects. serious about emissions reductions, wages is not feasible. his liberal friends, but not so much for
The majority of Americans know wouldn’t you expect they’d be urgently But tax increases on oil are not Presi- the environment or the economy.
that raising taxes on employers so working on the new generation of dent Biden’s only harmful decree. He has
that Congress can grow a government nuclear power plants to replace the stopped construction on the Keystone Tate Reeves is the 65th Governor of Mis- | Thursday • April 22 • 2021
spending account is neither good public old ones that are closing? They are Pipeline that would bring petroleum sissippi. In his State of the State address
policy nor is it likely to go far toward not. Rather, their priority for energy down the center of our country to the on Jan. 26, 2021, Gov. Reeves described
solving problems. is to tax oil and gas companies out of refineries on the Gulf Coast. He also has Mississippi as “unconquerable,” not-
To borrow a line from President business and to balloon spending by stopped offshore oil and gas exploration. ing that its citizens continue marching
Reagan, “Government is not the solution doling out over $300 billion to subsidize Both of these moves will result in higher forward though they’ve “been tested
to our problem, government IS the prob- electric vehicles and build more wind emissions. Products not transported by by every force of nature, disease, and
lem.” Real solutions are driven by the and solar projects. While these tech- pipeline will be transported by trucks human frailty.” He touted that Missis-
private sector through innovation, not nologies certainly have a place in the and trains instead. As we know, energy sippians have “improved our educa-
through regulation and higher taxes. In mix, relying on them exclusively is not a not produced in the U.S. is imported tion, and we’ve shown the world that
the case of energy and climate change, serious strategy. through big tankers travelling overseas. we’re open for business.” He is a hus-
serious policy solutions should be based Energy is one of the highest value More emissions, not less. His is not a band and father to three daughters. 3
Natural gas is critical to our
cleaner energy future
more remarkable is that these reductions Tell that to the Keystone XL pipe- address climate change together though
took place during a time when produc- line workers. innovation and technology.
tion increased by more than 70%. Where are their clean energy jobs? Sadly, President Biden’s climate exec-
By the way, a huge part of reduc- Do they get a new clean energy job utive orders really alienated key players
ing those emissions was through the tomorrow? Next month? Next year? in the solution. That’s not a way to build
development of natural gas pipelines, Coal, natural gas, oil, solar, wind, unity. That’s picking winners and losers.
which most environmentalists don’t nuclear, biomass: our country has been That’s pitting American jobs against
even want built! incredibly blessed with a variety of each other. That’s creating resentment.
On top of this, President Biden energy resources, and using all of them This country has always risen to
installed Gina McCarthy and John Kerry keeps America safe and running. every challenge we’ve faced. This
as his climate czars. Both are unaccount- Natural gas, in particular, burns climate challenge is no different.
able to Congress and have made clear cleaner, moves safely and efficiently Through American ingenuity, we will
they’re the ones in charge of the admin- in our world-class national pipeline find solutions.
By U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito
A
ccording to the U.S. De-
partment of Energy, if the
Appalachian region were
an independent country, it
would be the third-largest
natural gas producer in the
world. Job creation and economic growth
through the natural gas industry cannot
be overstated. It’s why I’ve pushed so
hard to create a natural gas storage hub
in West Virginia.
Sadly, natural gas growth faces
tremendous headwinds over the next
TIMESSUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES
four years.
Despite calls for “unity,” in some
of his first actions President Biden
managed to kill thousands of jobs
and paralyze America’s energy in-
dustry with executive orders. The
Biden moratorium on new oil and gas
leases on federal lands is an economic,
energy, and national security disaster
rolled into one.
This order moves America from
energy independence back to relying on
foreign adversaries for energy—coun-
tries that have much laxer environmen-
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tal standards. This action is indicative
of the incoming climate agenda that will
WASHINGTON
have drastic impacts on our nation’s
energy sector. Coal, natural gas, oil, solar, wind, nuclear, biomass: our country
has been incredibly blessed with a variety of energy resources,
A SPECIAL
The forces against natural gas are
growing. And they’re against natu- and using all of them keeps America safe and running.
| THE
ral gas, nuclear, or any other energy
source that’s not blessed by the Green
New Deal. istration’s ambitious climate agenda. network, and is an essential feedstock Senator Shelley Moore Capito, West Vir-
Thursday • April 22 • 2021
Ironically, Democrats are targeting By claiming every policy issue for several domestic supply chains like ginia Republican, is the Ranking Member
natural gas production and use it as a touches climate, McCarthy and Kerry medical supplies, which are critical now of the Senate Environment and Public
primary target for additional legisla- have broad jurisdiction do their bid- more than ever during this pandemic. Works (EPW) Committee and serves
tion and regulation though increased ding. They’ve made no secret of their Environmentalists fighting against nat- on the Appropriations Committee; the
natural gas production actually helped ultimate goal: banning fossil fuels. In ural gas can’t see the forest for the trees. Commerce, Science, and Transportation
lead to significant reductions in green- fact, Kerry suggested folks should “Go Eliminating natural gas from our energy Committee; and the Rules and Adminis-
house gas emissions. work on solar panels.” mix will lead to higher utility costs and tration Committee. She is the first female
The U.S. oil and gas industry reduced I have great skepticism when I hear less reliability — just ask California. elected in West Virginia to the U.S. Sen-
emissions by nearly 2% between 1990 this administration talk about giving Renewables can’t power our country ate and with the largest margin of vic-
and 2018. A 24% reduction in methane industry time to transition and giving at 100% of the time, and battery tech- tory for a Republican in state history.
4 emissions is impressive, but what is workers clean energy jobs. nology can’t fill the gaps. But, we can
Innovation is the political
sweet spot for climate solutions
reality is simply this: unless we limit, The Energy Act modernizes and It reinvigorates advanced nuclear
and reverse, the rapid growth of emis- refocuses DOE’s research and develop- energy by formally authorizing the
sions in the developing world, which ment (R&D) programs on the most Advanced Reactor Demonstration Pro-
now accounts for the majority of emis- pressing technology challenges — scal- gram started during President Trump’s
sions and future emissions growth, we ing up clean energy technologies like administration. And, you can’t run those
will not solve this challenge. advanced nuclear, long-duration energy reactors without advanced fuel – it also
Solutions to climate change must be storage, carbon capture, and enhanced creates a temporary program to provide
technologically realistic, economically geothermal. Crucially, across all of high-assay low-enriched uranium fuel.
feasible, and politically sustainable. To these technologies, DOE is empowered The new law establishes a compre-
reduce global emissions as quickly and to launch the most aggressive com- hensive grid scale storage demo pro-
cheaply as possible, better cost-effective mercial scale technology demonstra- gram, effectively authorizing the Energy
clean technology is necessary so the tion program in U.S. history – setting Storage Grand Challenge that Secretary
developing world will consistently up more than 20 full commercial scale Brouillette launched at DOE last year
choose those tools — preferably made demonstrations by the mid-2020s. and that Secretary Granholm has com-
in America — over the higher-emitting It also sets ambitious goals for mitted to continuing – along with a joint
options they are choosing today. America to maintain global leadership initiative with the Department of De-
That’s why we were so excited to and increases key clean energy program fense to develop long-duration storage
By Rich Powell see one of the biggest advancements in authorizations by an average of over 50% technologies. If variable energy sources
W
clean energy and climate policy in over over the next five years. like wind and solar are going to bring
hen you hear that a decade — the monumental Energy Act For example, it re-gears the Of- more power to the grid, we will need to
climate change is of 2020 — check all of those boxes. fice of Fossil Energy to focus on the store the energy for use when the wind
real, and industrial Tucked away in the 5,000 page end- carbon capture, utilization, and storage isn’t blowing and the sun isn’t shining.
activity around the of-year omnibus back in December technologies the Intergovernmental It also includes provisions for
globe is the dominant was a bipartisan, clean energy innova- Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says advanced always-on renewables like
contributor, you may tion roadmap. are critical to reaching net-zero goals. geothermal energy, including programs
assume a Democrat or environmental The resulting technological innovation It authorizes a comprehensive carbon to demonstrate technologies to enable
organization said it. But, today it’s com- will provide options for both American capture R&D program, including six, geothermal anywhere. There are excit-
ing from leaders in the Republican party and global energy systems to go clean and large, first-of-a-kind demonstrations for ing opportunities to transfer technolo-
and most oil and gas companies. address the global climate challenge. It natural gas, coal, and industrial facili- gies from the oil and gas industry and
Climate change is not partisan – the will lead to smarter, more targeted invest- ties. Additionally, it starts serious R&D demonstrate the co-production of criti-
challenge it poses to society merits ments by the U.S. Department of Energy on carbon removal technologies via cal minerals with geothermal energy.
significant action at every level of (DOE) focused on real-world outcomes creative X-prizes on removing carbon In addition to those key clean energy
A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES
government and the private sector. And that will reduce global emissions. dioxide from the atmosphere. authorizations, the Energy Act includes
solutions shouldn’t be partisan either. a comprehensive crosscutting clean
We must all think globally when industrial technologies R&D program
approaching this challenge. Halting to lower the cost of cleaner chemicals,
pipelines or moratoriums on oil and gas materials, and manufacturing. Add in
production in the U.S. in the name of the important tax credit extensions for
climate change has little or no impact technologies like carbon capture and
on domestic carbon dioxide emissions, offshore wind, and a phase out of green-
let alone the rest of the world. The house gases called hydrofluorocarbons,
and you have a huge climate bill.
All of these provisions in the bill were
led by, or cosponsored by, Republicans.
And, ahead of the White House’s
virtual Leaders Summit on Climate and
the Administration’s new carbon emis-
sions reduction targets, Republicans
in the U.S. House of Representatives
offered a strong clean energy innova-
tion agenda, showcasing their ideas
to lower emissions, create jobs, and
keep energy prices affordable.
If we are to truly tackle the global
climate challenge, we will need | Thursday • April 22 • 2021
some common ground and a dose of
technological, economic, and politi-
cal realism. Clean energy innovation
just makes the most sense.
Rich Powell leads ClearPath, a DC-based
non-profit that develops and advances
policies that accelerate breakthrough
innovations that reduce emissions in
the energy and industrial sectors.
5
Natural gas infrastructure plays essential
role in our low carbon energy future
Innovating today to meet our customers’ energy needs tomorrow
Agreement. Part of our efforts center on
As decisionmakers at every level of government ongoing accelerated pipeline replace-
look for sensible and responsible investments in ment programs in each of our service
infrastructure to meet climate and equity goals, territories. Continuously enhancing and
modernizing our infrastructure not only
it’s critical to understand the role that natural gas increases safety and reliability, but also
distribution systems play in providing affordable, provides an added environmental benefit
reliable, sustainable and resilient energy. resulting in approximately 200,000 metric
tons of greenhouse gas emissions reduc-
tions over the life of these programs.
natural gas infrastructure can store en- more sources of carbon-free electricity At the same time, we are doing more
ergy for days, weeks, months, and years become available and enabling technol- by collaborating with our customers,
with on-demand delivery. ogy costs decline, the viability of using suppliers, the public and our regulators
And the natural gas delivery network this energy as a means for generating to reduce emissions while ensuring af-
is reducing emissions that contribute green hydrogen is increasingly attractive. fordability, reliability and resiliency.
to climate change. The EPA recently Washington Gas has grown with and Washington Gas is in a unique posi-
released its Inventory of U.S. Green- promoted the growth of our region over tion to help our 1.2 million customers to
By Donald “Blue” Jenkins house Gas Emissions and reported that the last 172 years. Natural gas use has be part of the low-carbon energy future.
M
emissions from the nation’s natural gas similarly fueled the nation’s economy, In 2020, we submitted a comprehensive,
any people take infra- infrastructure continue to decline, now while also contributing to the reduction science-based Climate Business Plan
structure for granted making up 1/10th of 1% of overall natural of the nation’s greenhouse gas (GHG) in the District of Columbia, outlining
whether it be roads and gas emissions. emissions. Using natural gas in power a roadmap for the company to reduce
bridges or energy deliv- greenhouse gas emissions associated
ery systems that power with natural gas use in the District 50%
our lives. The experience by 2032, and to achieve carbon neutral-
for most consumers when it comes to en- ity by 2050 to help the District meet its
ergy infrastructure has largely remained climate goals.
unchanged—the outlets in our homes and Our Climate Business Plan focuses
offices look the same and we are using the on energy savings, transitioning to a
same furnaces and stoves to warm our broader mix of energy including carbon
TIMESSUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES
spaces and cook our food. neutral fuels like RNG and hydrogen,
However, the energy fueling this and modernizing our infrastructure.
equipment is undergoing a remarkable The Environmental Defense Fund hailed
and vital transformation. Washington the Plan in a New York State regulatory
Gas and our fellow utility companies are filing, noting that “this broad, system-
innovating to leverage existing infra- wide thinking is critical to maximize
structure that provides exceptional reli- emissions reductions.” In addition, the
ability, versatility and storage capability consulting firm ICF determined that the
to meet the needs of the future. This Plan saves an estimated $2.7 billion com-
work is core to our company’s mission- pared to approaches to decarbonization
-to improve the quality of life within our that rely solely on electrification.
communities by safely and reliably con- Climate action is urgent. Our country
necting customers to affordable sources Natural Gas infrastructure provides exceptional reliability, versatility and storage capability must pursue innovative solutions across
of energy today and tomorrow. to meet the energy needs of the future. many sectors, such as energy, transporta-
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As decisionmakers at every level tion, agriculture among others. Given the
of government look for sensible and inter-connected nature of these parts of
WASHINGTON
responsible investments in infrastruc- Our systems are also remarkably production is the single largest factor in our economy, climate action must be pur-
ture to meet climate and equity goals, versatile— able to deliver carbon neu- power sector emissions reaching 27-year- sued thoughtfully with optionality and
A SPECIAL
it’s critical to understand the role that tral fuels including renewable natural lows, while natural gas distribution without losing sight of affordability, reli-
natural gas distribution systems play in gas (RNG) and hydrogen. Generated companies, like Washington Gas, have ability, and resilience our infrastructure
| THE
providing affordable, reliable, sustain- from biomass, waste, or other renew- reduced emissions associated with the provides. The need for integrated, multi-
able and resilient energy. able resources, RNG is a pipeline-ready, delivery and use of their product by 73% sector planning that maximizes the use
The reliability of natural gas is carbon neutral gas that is compatible ready-now infrastructure has never been
Thursday • April 22 • 2021
since 1990. We are well-positioned to
unmatched. Natural gas infrastructure with the existing natural gas system and build on this success in the next chapter greater and can propel us into the lower
is less vulnerable to interruption than equipment. Natural gas customers can of our history, keeping our commitment carbon energy ecosystem of tomorrow.
other energy delivery systems, espe- realize significant emissions reductions to provide our customers with afford-
cially during the winter when heating with RNG without making costly equip- able, reliable, modern and, now, even Donald “Blue” Jenkins is the President
can be a matter of not just comfort, but ment substitutions. more sustainable energy. of Washington Gas, a company that has
also health and safety. There also are many initiatives under- In 2011, Washington Gas was one of been providing energy to residential, com-
Our country’s natural gas infra- way to advance hydrogen in our energy the first natural gas distribution com- mercial, and industrial customers for more
structure comes with “built-in” energy mix—taking advantage of technology to panies to set targets to reduce green- than 170 years. Washington Gas provides
storage. Unlike electricity which cannot produce clean hydrogen from water and house gas emissions. After achieving safe, reliable natural gas service to more
be easily stored without adding very electricity that has been commercially these reductions ahead of schedule, we than 1.2 million customers in the District
6 expensive and short duration batteries, available for more than 50 years. As aligned our targets in 2016 with the Paris of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
AFFORDABLE,
RELIABLE,
SUSTAINABLE,
MODERN ENERGY
A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES
For more than 172 years, Washington Gas has delivered essential natural gas service to the region.
Now, we have an innovative plan that provides affordable, reliable energy while helping the District
of Columbia achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Washington Gas Climate Business Plan
Provides Path to Low Carbon Future
The plan provides a sensible pathway to carbon neutrality
that saves money and maximizes reliability for customers by:
Adding low-emissions and zero emissions fuels like
1
biogas and hydrogen to the system
2 Investing in our infrastructure – tightening and enhancing
the system to maximize fuel delivered to customers
Saving energy – high efficiency appliances,
3
dual fuel and ‘smart’ technologies
| Thursday • April 22 • 2021
For more information on the Washington Gas Climate
Business Plan, visit www.WashingtonGasCBP.Com
7
No need to raise taxes to fund infrastructure
and protect the environment
zero return on 14% of their tax dollars. infrastructure has broad bipartisan sup- playbook worked in the Sunshine State
Imagine if a business were run that port. Republicans and Democrats alike and it will work for America.
way – it would never last. share a desire to bring America’s roads, It’s time for Democrats to acknowl-
To avoid a fiscal calamity, it would bridges, seaports, and airports back edge some basic truths: Tax increases
be logical for President Biden and the to being the best in the world and use don’t create jobs, provide sustainable
Democrats to take a pragmatic approach these innovations to address the growing government revenue, or solve problems.
to the issues facing our nation, practice threats posed by climate change. If we want to finally get something done
some fiscal discipline and do only what As Governor of Florida, I oversaw on infrastructure in Washington, we
is absolutely necessary. Of course, that the investment of $85 billion in critical need to focus on growing the economy
wouldn’t satisfy their radical left base. and innovative infrastructure proj- and making the hard choices to provide
For Democrats, it’s an all or nothing ects. The difference in what we did targeted funding to projects that create
By U.S. Sen. Rick Scott
D
emocrats in Washington
have a big problem when it
comes to explaining their
policies. Over the years,
they have come to rely on a
false equivalence between
massive spending, higher taxes, and
progress. The latest example of this
came just a few weeks ago as President
Biden rolled out his massive $2.5 trillion
so-called “infrastructure” plan funded
by, you guessed it, $2 trillion in tax
increases. That’s Democrat politics in a
nutshell. Their answer to every problem
TIMESSUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES
is higher taxes, bigger government bu-
reaucracies, and endless deficit spend-
ing. It doesn’t work and it’s going to kill
the American dream.
We’ve seen this before. Biden’s
“COVID” spending package, branded
as the American Recovery Plan Act,
wasn’t actually about COVID-19. The bill
dedicated less than 10% of its massive
$1.9 trillion price tag to fighting COVID- Let’s remember: Our nation is hurdling toward $30 trillion in debt thanks
19 and just 1% to vaccines. Democrats to Congress’ inability to exercise self-control. With interest rates around
also snuck a tax increase on gig workers
in that package, breaking their promise to
1.7%, that means that one out of every seven dollars the federal government
not raise taxes on anyone making less collects in tax revenue goes to pay interest on the national debt. American
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than $400,000. taxpayers are getting absolutely zero return on 14% of their tax dollars.
The same is true for Biden’s new “in-
WASHINGTON
frastructure” plan. Of the more than $2
trillion he’s asking for, just $157 billion, game. They don’t care about the impact in Florida and what Biden wants? We jobs and provide a return on investment
A SPECIAL
less than 8%, would go toward tradi- government’s binge spending will have funded roads, bridges, and ports and for American taxpayers.
tional infrastructure projects like roads, on our children and grandchildren, and never raised taxes once to do it. That’s My advice to Biden and Demo-
| THE
bridges, highways, air and seaports, they aren’t even pretending to work in a because we focused on cutting taxes crats in Washington is simple. Ditch
and waterways. The other 92% simply bipartisan fashion. and eliminating burdensome regula- this insane tax and spend agenda and
funds liberal wish list priorities slop- That’s exactly what we’ve seen in the follow Florida’s proven playbook for
Thursday • April 22 • 2021
tions and fought every day to create
pily banded together as “infrastructure” first two major acts of Biden’s presi- an environment where the private economic success.
initiatives. It’s a joke. dency. The man who ran a campaign sector could succeed. We invested in
Let’s remember: Our nation is hur- rooted in pledges to unify America real infrastructure to create real jobs. Senator Rick Scott, Florida Republican,
dling toward $30 trillion in debt thanks immediately cowered to the demands By doing this, we allowed the private serves on the Commerce, Science, & Trans-
to Congress’ inability to exercise of the woke mob and his party’s tax sector to do what it does best – innovate portation Committee, Budget Committee,
self-control. With interest rates around and spend radicals in Congress. The and grow. As a result, our economy Homeland Security & Government Affairs
1.7%, that means that one out of every Democrats believe we can just tax and boomed and it resulted in the state hav- Committee, Armed Services Committee,
seven dollars the federal government regulate our way out of every problem, ing the funds to invest in what matters and the Special Committee on Aging. He
collects in tax revenue goes to pay and it’s insanity. to taxpayers, like improving education, also served two terms as Florida’s Gover-
interest on the national debt. Ameri- It doesn’t have to be this way. Like protecting the environment, and fund- nor and ran the world’s largest healthcare
8 can taxpayers are getting absolutely COVID relief, increasing investments in ing infrastructure improvements. This company while in the private sector.
Shuttering the U.S. energy renaissance
will hit American families’ finances
project was canceled. Making matters Arkansas is blessed with a wonderful sustainable energy production that can
worse, the justification for scrapping landscape and incredible natural re- transform the way we live and work. In
Keystone XL was partly under the guise sources. We are proud of this legacy and Arkansas, that advancement is com-
of environmental concerns despite the seek to maintain it. At the same time, we ing through a balanced, commonsense
fact that moving the oil extracted from also want to harness the energy sources approach rather than drastic moves to
Canada using other modes of transporta- at our disposal to grow our economy and eliminate economical, traditional energy
tion will produce more carbon emissions help make life easier and more afford- sources and cost jobs, or letting the fed-
than transporting it through the pipeline. able for working families. We’ve already eral government dictate how and where
In the Natural State, we of course begun that work. we generate power.
By U.S. Sen. John Boozman
P
ocketbook issues are what
families in Arkansas and
across the U.S. spend their
time thinking about, plan-
ning around and hoping for
minimal, manageable fluc-
tuations that don’t significantly impact
their bottom lines.
One way their wallets and bank ac-
counts get squeezed to the point of gen-
uine hardship and frustration is when
energy prices rise above what they have
budgeted for. When costs at the pump
or to heat and light homes increase, it
A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES
has real-world consequences. Suddenly,
moms and dads, grandparents and other
caregivers start having to make tough
choices in order to keep paying bills and
afford life’s basic necessities.
In recent years, the energy renais-
sance we’ve experienced as a nation
helped usher in lower prices as well as
reduced carbon dioxide emissions. But
now it is under threat.
Policies like canceling the Keystone
XL pipeline and pausing new oil and
gas drilling on federal lands make little
sense to Arkansans. And what’s worse,
the consequences are already being felt
in my state. Solar energy production is one such example. One Arkansas community has
When the news about halting generated enough solar power to create enough savings to provide teachers
Keystone XL reverberated through the
country and into Arkansas, one Little
in the school district as much as $15,000 raises – a clear win-win.
Rock business, Welspun Tubular, took an
immediate hit. Based at an industrial site want to balance our energy needs with Solar energy production is one such These lessons all ultimately come
located within an intermodal port along environmental preservation concerns example. One Arkansas community has back to the pocketbooks of families and
the Arkansas River, the company was set and strike an appropriate balance that generated enough solar power to create businesses in the Natural State. I encour- | Thursday • April 22 • 2021
to produce more than one million feet of protects and conserves natural resources enough savings to provide teachers in age national policymakers to take note of
36-inch pipe for the project. The com- while also providing the economic op- the school district as much as $15,000 the example we have provided.
pany employs 600 workers and added 50 portunities that drive our state forward raises – a clear win-win. A rice produc-
to its facility to help fulfill that contract. and don’t harm the finances of hard- ing mill in another part of the state has Senator John Boozman, Arkansas Re-
The demise of the project has created working families. recently announced an investment in publican, serves as Ranking Member on
many questions and few answers. That’s why I support an all-of-the- solar panels that is expected to build the the Senate Committee on Agriculture,
Arkansas pipefitters and welders are above approach to secure American en- state’s largest commercial solar power Nutrition, and Forestry. He also serves
also suffering as a result of this move. ergy independence including wind, solar and battery storage system, with savings on the Senate Committee on Environ-
Members of a local pipeline union have and nuclear. This must be a cornerstone projected to exceed $100 million over ment and Public Works, Senate Com-
already been laid off and 200 more lost for creating cleaner and more sustain- the next 30 years. mittee on Appropriations, and Senate
an employment opportunity when the able energy production. We are making progress on reaching Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. 9
Our commitment to a clean,
resilient energy future
dioxide emissions from 2012 to 2018 – captured from farms, landfills, and joint effort with electric utilities, pipe-
the equivalent of removing 2.9 million wastewater treatment plants. In addi- lines, and producers, we have created
cars off the road for a year. tion to helping these industries reduce industry-wide environmental, social,
Investments like these are bearing their own environmental impact, RNG governance (ESG) reporting metrics.
fruit. Just last week, the EPA released is a usable energy that we are integrat- Natural gas utilities remain an excel-
its Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas ing into our existing pipeline infra- lent choice for investors and we will
Emissions and Sinks, which shows structure and delivering to customers. provide the data and metrics they need
that annual emissions from the natural A recent assessment shows RNG to show our commitment to progress
gas distribution system declined 69% has the potential to play a substan- on all ESG fronts.
from 1990 to 2019, as natural gas utility tial role in lowering emissions from Through our commitment to a
companies added more than 788,000 natural gas (as much as 95% in the cleaner energy future, we also have not
miles of pipeline to serve 21 million residential sector) with costs that lost sight of our responsibility to meet
more customers. Distribution systems are competitive with other emissions the energy needs of our customers no
owned and operated by local natural reduction pathways. Extended research matter the weather or circumstances.
gas utilities emit only 0.08% of pro- and investment into RNG will enable A recent study by the American Gas
duced natural gas. it to flow from production points to Foundation emphasizes how the increas-
ing frequency and intensity of events
By Karen Harbert that stress our energy system underlines
A
the need for us to consider what makes
s we celebrate Earth Day, an energy system resilient and reliable –
the American Gas Asso- and natural gas is a key part of that mix.
ciation’s commitment on This winter presented a challenging
behalf of America’s natural mix of extreme weather and a pan-
gas utilities to be part of demic, stressing our energy system.
the solution to the complex U.S. natural gas consumption set a two-
challenge of climate change has never day record from February 14 and 15 of
been stronger. New Environmental this year. Natural gas utility companies
Protection Agency (EPA) data illustrates were able to use their investments in
the progress we have made in the past infrastructure, operations, and plan-
three decades, and we know we will ning to meet this record demand and
achieve more by working together with provide safe and reliable energy with
other sectors of the energy industry few interruptions.
TIMESSUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES
and through partnerships with farmers, Because of the critical role of
small businesses, and community advo- natural gas in our energy mix and the
cates. Our industry has proven that we utility employees who work 24/7/365 to
can help lower emissions while simulta- keep systems functioning, communi-
neously providing Americans with the ties can be confident that the energy
reliable, affordable energy they need. needs of both homes and businesses
We know we can deliver successful will be met. We are always here, fuel-
clean energy solutions that will make ing our communities and delivering on
for a stronger economy and a healthier our promise to customers.
environment while still protecting Delivering affordable, reliable
the pocketbooks of all our customers. energy does not have to be at odds
These ideal outcomes take an all-hands- with clean energy goals. On Earth Day
on-deck approach and the natural gas and every day of the year, progress
industry is proud to continue to play a on lowering emissions shouldn’t be
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leadership role in developing solutions. In addition to helping these industries reduce their uncoupled from affordable, reliable en-
The expanded role of natural gas own environmental impact, RNG is a usable energy ergy. Our industry is committed to the
WASHINGTON
in America’s energy mix is the single
largest factor in power sector emis-
that we are integrating into our existing pipeline cleaner energy future we all are striv-
ing for and will continue to work every
infrastructure and delivering to customers.
A SPECIAL
sions reductions reaching 27-year lows. day to help ensure Americans have
It’s also allowing households using nat- the energy they want and need while
| THE
ural gas to fuel their appliances to save achieving our environmental goals.
an average of $879 per year compared These are good developments that customers all over America through al-
to homes using only electricity. As should be celebrated, but more can and Karen Harbert is the President and CEO
Thursday • April 22 • 2021
ready existing infrastructure, minimiz-
we continue on the path to economic should be done. Our mission to deliver ing costs for consumers and the need of the American Gas Association, repre-
recovery, every dollar helps. cleaner energy involves both more in- to build expensive new systems. Our senting companies that deliver natural gas
One of the most effective means to novation and greater transparency. We 2.6 million miles of pipelines can also safely, reliably, and in an environmentally
reduce emissions is through energy are reimagining our industry for the be used to deliver hydrogen and other responsible way to help improve the qual-
efficiency and our industry is doing its future by innovating today. energy sources of the future. ity of life for their customers every day.
part. Natural gas utilities invest $3.9 One area of significant potential is We are also committed to trans- AGA’s mission is to provide clear value
million daily in efficiency programs through greater deployment of high- parency and ensuring clear informa- to its membership and serve as the indis-
in the U.S. and Canada. These invest- value sources of energy like renewable tion is available related to emissions pensable, leading voice and facilitator on
ments help customers reduce their natural gas and hydrogen. Renewable for regulators, customers, investors, its behalf in promoting the safe, reliable,
carbon footprints, offsetting more natural gas (RNG) is a carbon-neutral and other stakeholders. Through the and efficient delivery of natural gas to
10 than 13.5 million metric tons of carbon energy produced from methane Natural Gas Sustainability Initiative, a homes and businesses across the nation.Our commitment to a cleaner,
more resilient energy future.
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As we celebrate Earth Day, the American Gas
Association’s commitment on behalf of America’s
natural gas utilities to be part of the solution to our
nation’s energy challenges has never been stronger.
Learn how we are reimagining our industry for the
future by visiting playbook.aga.org.
| Thursday • April 22 • 2021
11Agriculture should be in
the driver’s seat on carbon policy
understands we have been and will thus stores more carbon in soil. Grazing thoroughly vetted by the average agri-
continue to be the solution, not the prob- crop residue and cover crops, a common cultural producer – a producer that was
lem. Agriculture should really be in the practice, let farmers have their cake with reducing his/her carbon footprint since
driver’s seat on carbon policy. livestock eating it too. Grass waterways before it was cool all while feeding
The main concept that ignores and woody windbreaks prevent soil ero- exponentially more people. Let’s not get
modern agriculture’s success in conserv- sion while up taking carbon and are age the cart before the horse on an impor-
ing resources is the concept of requir- old practices. All these practices have tant subject to consumers of food. We
ing “additionality.” Additionality is big been used by farmers in different areas of have limited resources to feed, clothe,
business’s idea of only tying value to Kansas for decades or longer. fuel, and house people. Anything that
sequestering “new carbon” through the Every acre of grass and every acre is proposed must, first and foremost,
adoption of practices new to the indi- of crops, whether it is corn, beans, milo, continue to encourage the efficient
vidual farm. They don’t care if a farmer cotton, wheat or sunflowers, remove and abundant production of such. We
By U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, M.D.
F
armers and ranchers are the
original conservationist and
generational farming is on the
forefront of every producer’s
mind. For nearly every year
over the past 50 years, farm-
ers have steadily produced more food
and fiber on fewer acres with less water
and less nutrient inputs. Fathers and
mothers want to leave the land better
than when they found it, for their sons
and daughters. This topic isn’t new – in
Kansas we’ve been discussing soil health
TIMESSUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES
and conservation since the dustbowl.
I remember my grandparents building
terraces which helps shed water more
efficiently to prevent soil erosion. Of
course, the new administration once
again wants to regulate the water com-
ing off those terraces.
The main theme of the current
administration continues to be climate
change. Ignorance of modern farm-
ing technology threatens to challenge Agriculture is one of, if not, the only industry that can naturally sequester
modern farming’s great track record. carbon. And we convert it into high quality food and protein. I see too
Early adoption of innovative technology
has long made the U.S. a superpower in
many companies and regulators trying a top-down approach.
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feeding the world. Consumers across the
world want access to our high quality, currently sequesters a half-ton of carbon carbon from the atmosphere to grow. must also ensure we can adequately
WASHINGTON
nutritious, and extremely safe food that per acre, they only care if a farmer can In fact, U.S. agriculture, land use and and honestly measure all the good work
was produced with the most advanced sequester more. Additionality as the forestry are a net sink for emissions, farmers are currently doing. Above all
A SPECIAL
agricultural technology in the world. measurement of value is intellectually according to the Farmers for a Sustain- else, real farmers must have a seat at
Agriculture is one of, if not, the only dishonest. Value should be assigned to able Future coalition, comprised of over the table because after all, they are the
| THE
industry that can naturally sequester the TOTAL amount of carbon reduced, 20 agriculture groups representing the original environmentalist.
carbon. And we convert it into high mitigated, or sequestered each year, major commodities grown in the United
quality food and protein. I see too many rather than merely the “new carbon.” Senator Roger Marshall, M.D., Kansas
Thursday • April 22 • 2021
States as well as American Farm Bureau
companies and regulators trying a top- Additionality could be a requirement of and the National Farmers Union. As of Republican, serves on the Energy and
down approach. They want to make participation to get even more carbon 2019, United States cattle producers have Natural Resources; Agriculture, Nutri-
carbon markets that work for businesses sequestration, but the dollar value already avoided 2.3 gigatons of carbon tion, and Forestry; Health, Education,
at the end of the value chain rather than should be calculated in a way that emissions since 1975. That’s equivalent Labor and Pensions; and Small Business
asking producers what is best for the doesn’t punish early adopters of efficient to 1.9 billion cars driven in one year and and Entrepreneurship Committees. He is
land they touch every day. It appears farming technology. very different than you would be led to the 5th generation farm kid growing up in
they are building these programs with We’ve been no-till farming on my fam- believe by folks errantly blaming climate Butler County and received his Medical
the assumption that agriculture is part ily’s ground for decades. Precision agri- change on cow flatulence (cows belch Doctorate from the University of Kansas.
of the problem. However, such as- culture in Kansas is over 20 years old. For more than fart). Dr. Marshall served in the Army Reserves
sumption couldn’t be further from the 8,000 years, farmers have used manure as Additionality is only one of many for seven years and practiced medicine
12 truth. In fact, everyone in agriculture fertilizer, which builds soil organic matter top-down concepts that haven’t been in Great Bend for more than 25 years.Iowa leading the way in investment,
increased production, energy independence
As I mentioned, nearly half of our Project on the Des Moines River. This when making policy.
state’s electricity comes from wind. On facility is yet another great example of Any energy policy, whether at the
my 99 County Tour, I recently visited Iowa actively working with partners, like federal or state level, must keep in mind
Iowa Lakes Community College and the Army Corps of Engineers, to find American families, workers, and busi-
toured its Sustainable Energy Resources creative ways to invest in reliable energy nesses and their ability to be successful,
Technology program. The reality is, the sources, all while creating jobs and compete globally, and create jobs. As
backbone of our wind industry is the boosting our local economies. a member of the Senate Environment
workforce that powers it. That’s why I’m Finally, when it comes to biofuel, and Public Works Committee, I will
continuing to push solutions at the fed- Iowa is unmatched. Over 50% of Iowa- continue to work tirelessly to promote
eral level to support programs, like the grown corn goes directly to ethanol Iowa’s leadership in renewable energy
one at Iowa Lakes, to train the next gen- production, and almost 40% of it is used and find common sense solutions to
eration of our wind energy workforce. for the actual ethanol fuel. I’ve been provide cleaner, more affordable energy
To that end, I’ve partnered with Sena- relentless in fighting for our biofuel sources and create quality jobs for folks
tor Angus King (I-Maine) on the Wind community—whether that’s securing all across this country.
Workforce Modernization and Train- E15 year-round, pushing back on the En- We can protect our environment,
ing Act which would help incentivize vironmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) drive sustainable energy production, and
By U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst
N
o matter what state you’re
from, we can all agree that
keeping our air and water
clean is essential. But
heavy-handed and mis-
guided Washington, D.C.,
mandates, like the Green New Deal, that
will crush our economy, are the wrong
path to achieving that. Instead, we need
an all-of-the above approach, one that
increases domestic production, ex-
pands the use of our renewable sources,
and promotes energy independence
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and efficiency by utilizing innovation
and public-private partnerships. And
America needs to look no further than
the great state of Iowa to see the blue-
print for that successful, market-driven
approach—from biofuel to solar, and
from wind to hydropower.
Iowa is the nation’s leading producer
of ethanol and biodiesel. In addition,
over 40% of our power comes from
wind energy sources, and just two years
ago we had the highest wind power
share of any state. In recent years, we’ve
also grown our solar and hydroelectric
power capabilities. And this has largely Iowa is the nation’s leading producer of ethanol and biodiesel. In addition,
been done through incentives and com- over 40% of our power comes from wind energy sources, and just two
munity engagement – not top-down,
D.C.-driven mandates.
years ago we had the highest wind power share of any state.
Let’s start with solar. In 2018, Central
Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) an-
nounced Clēnera, LLC would develop and promote the development of wind harmful small refinery exemptions, or power our economy all without heavy-
the largest solar project in the state, power and wind jobs in Iowa and across working to expand the infrastructure for handed and harmful mandates from
and one of the largest in the Midwest, the nation. At the end of last year, I suc- higher blends of biofuel. Both ethanol Washington. And my home state of Iowa | Thursday • April 22 • 2021
near Wapello, Iowa. CIPCO agreed to cessfully pushed to get the training grant and biodiesel are not only good for our is leading the way.
purchase all of the Wapello Solar facil- component of the bill signed into law. agriculture economy, they’re better for
ity’s output over the course of a 25-year While the new law will go a long way, the environment. A recent report found Senator Joni Ernst, Iowa Republican,
contract. Last August, I visited the there’s still more work to be done, and that greenhouse gas emissions from corn serves on four committees of major im-
Wapello facility to see its ongoing efforts I’m committed to making sure our wind ethanol are 46% lower than gasoline. portance to Iowans: Armed Services;
to develop the project. And just three energy sector has the skilled workforce That’s why I’m working across the aisle Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; En-
weeks ago, I joined the grand opening it needs to keep powering our state. to push the Biden Administration’s EPA vironment and Public Works; and Small
of this solar facility. Not only will this In Iowa, we’re also utilizing and and Department of Agriculture (USDA) Business and Entrepreneurship. Follow-
project help deliver clean and affordable investing in hydropower. At another to update their greenhouse gas modeling ing 23 years of military service, she was
energy to tens of thousands of Iowans, 99 County Tour stop a few weeks ago, for ethanol and biodiesel and to recog- elected in 2014 as the first female combat
but it will also create good-paying jobs. I visited the Red Rock Hydroelectric nize biofuel’s environmental benefits veteran elected to serve in the U.S. Senate. 13You can also read
