· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Doug Burgum, North Dakota's former governor and President-elect Trump's newly appointed "energy czar," is an advocate of carbon capture
• While championing fossil fuels, Burgum committed to making North Dakota carbon neutral by 2030 by leveraging the state’s geology for carbon storage
• He will oversee U.S. energy policy, balancing Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” agenda with his own support for carbon capture technologies
🔭 The context: Burgum’s push for carbon capture aligns with generous federal tax credits, bolstered by the Inflation Reduction Act, despite criticism from some Republicans and climate activists
• His record includes granting permits for carbon capture projects and making North Dakota a leader in sequestration
• However, projects like Summit Carbon Solutions face resistance from landowners and activists concerned about environmental risks and property rights
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Carbon capture is a controversial tool in addressing climate change, with proponents claiming it can mitigate emissions from fossil fuel use and opponents fearing it delays a transition to renewables
• Burgum’s policies could shape U.S. energy production and its role in global climate goals, particularly regarding the viability of sequestration at scale
⏭️ What's next: Burgum’s Senate confirmation hearing for Interior Secretary is slated for January 14
• If confirmed, he will influence federal land energy policy and lead Trump’s new National Energy Council
• The success of carbon capture projects and preservation of related tax credits will be pivotal in determining his impact on U.S. energy and climate strategy
💬 One quote: “This is a great opportunity to leverage one of the world’s challenges for the benefit of our entire state.” – Doug Burgum on carbon capture
📈 One stat: Globally, investment in carbon capture reached $11 billion in 2023, nearly doubling from the previous year
See here detailed sustainability performance of companies like Chevron Corporation and ExxonMobil Corporation
Click for more news covering the latest on carbon capture & storage
