An energy package that would increase funding for myriad clean-energy initiatives may be included in the upcoming omnibus spending bill. This package would be the most significant energy legislation passed in years and would be a first step toward meaningful climate change legislation, writes AAF’s Director of Energy Policy Ewelina Czapla in an analysis. Nevertheless, this package does not address more controversial issues, she notes.

An excerpt:

Electricity generation is the second-largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. The package supports research into various forms of power generation, including nuclear, wind, solar, hydroelectric, and lesser-known geothermal and marine energy, rather than seeking to promote some over others. Each of these clean energy technologies may prove useful during the energy transition away from carbon-intensive sources.

In addition, the package includes provisions that expand research into new grid and storage technology. While it is clear that aging infrastructure will require updates, identifying the most effective means of providing an adaptive but reliable grid that is capable of consistently delivering power is critical.

Read the analysis.