Innovation

 

 

 

Our Plan To Drive Innovation And Deployment Of Clean Energy And Deep Decarbonization Technologies

 

 

 

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Boosting American Climate Innovation

Although aggressive deployment of existing clean energy technologies can take us far, full decarbonization of the economy will require transformational technologies that have yet to be invented. These technologies take a long time to develop and require sustained investments to overcome multiple “valleys of death” on the path to commercialization. The United States, however, has abandoned Mission Innovation, a global initiative working to accelerate investment in clean energy and decarbonization technologies.

Robust innovation policy and increased public and private investments at all process stages—research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D)—are critical to the timely and widespread implementation of these new technologies.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The United States has a world-class innovation system that can address the challenges of deep decarbonization and climate resilience while advancing U.S. competitiveness and fueling long-term economic growth. To unleash this potential, Congress must enact coordinated policies that support and fund innovation at all stages, leverage private sector investment as much as possible, and ensure that innovative technologies are developed and deployed in a just and equitable way.

 

Empower the Department of Energy (DOE) to tackle the climate crisis by prioritizing climate in DOE’s mission and reorganizing DOE’s structure to meet this goal.

Maintain U.S. leadership in clean energy innovation by recommitting to Mission Innovation and substantially increasing investment in clean energy RD&D over the next 10 years.

Engage environmental justice communities in clean energy RDD&D by creating a DOE Energy Justice and Democracy Program and prioritizing diverse participation in all DOE programs.

Facilitate technology transfer and commercialization through new initiatives, such as a DOE demonstration office, regional innovation partnerships, and a DOE foundation.

Finance innovative decarbonization technologies through a reformed DOE Loan Guarantee Program with an expanded portfolio and more flexible financing mechanisms.

Accelerate deployment of clean technology and climate resilient infrastructure by establishing a national climate bank.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

More on Innovation

Climate Crisis Committee to Hold Hearing on Cleaner, Cheaper Energy

Dec 3, 2021 Press Release
The hearing will focus on the potential of clean energy to make electricity bills and transportation costs cheaper for families across America. The hearing will also focus on how investments in the Build Back Better Act will help families avoid the volatility of natural gas and oil prices, make long-term progress to reduce energy prices across the board, and help businesses achieve their clean energy goals.

Chair Castor Statement on Passage of Build Back Better Act

Nov 19, 2021 Press Release
"With today's historic vote, we are delivering the single largest clean energy investment in American history, making good on President Biden's promise to act on climate with urgency and ambition," said Chair Castor.

Chair Castor Votes To Pass Infrastructure Bill, Calls For Further Action On Climate

Nov 6, 2021 Press Release
“This bipartisan bill makes progress on recommendations in our Climate Crisis Action Plan and takes steps to strengthen the grid, support electric vehicles, advance environmental justice, and prepare communities for costly weather disasters,” said Rep. Castor.

Reps. Castor, Dingell, Horsford, Casten And Labor And Environment Leaders Call For Ambitious Investments In Jobs, Justice And Climate In The Build Back Better Budget

Aug 23, 2021 Press Release
“We must heed the grave warnings in the latest IPCC report and take immediate, transformational action to solve the climate crisis,” said Chair Castor.

Chair Castor Applauds President Biden’s Zero-Emissions Vehicles Target and Fuel Efficiency Standards

Aug 5, 2021 Press Release
"Investing in clean cars and trucks is a win-win for America. Today’s announcement will support good-paying union jobs, save consumers money, and help solve the climate crisis,” said Chair Castor.

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