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A new bill introduced in the California Senate aims to boost carbon dioxide removal efforts by establishing a state-run purchase program. Senate Bill 643, introduced by Senator Anna Caballero, would allocate $80 million between 2026 and 2030 to acquire carbon removal credits from projects operating within California. The proposed Carbon Dioxide Removal Purchase Program, overseen by the California Energy Commission, is designed to support emerging carbon removal technologies, such as direct air capture, biomass carbon storage, enhanced mineralization, and marine-based carbon sequestration. To ensure broad participation, funding will be capped at $40 million per project category and $20 million per individual project. Eligible projects must demonstrate long-term carbon sequestration of at least 100 years, prioritize community benefits, and exclude enhanced oil recovery methods. The initiative aligns with California’s climate targets, aiming to remove 7 million metric tons of CO? by 2030 and 75 million metric tons by 2045, as outlined in the state’s Carbon Neutrality Scoping Plan. If passed, the program would serve as a financial catalyst for scaling up carbon removal solutions while distributing benefits across various geographic regions and technological approaches.

A new bill introduced in the California State Assembly aims to extend the state’s cap-and-trade program, a key market-based mechanism for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Assembly Bill 1207, introduced by Assembly Member Irwin, expresses the Legislature’s intent to enact future legislation that would reauthorize the program beyond its current expiration date of 2030. The cap-and-trade system, established under the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, places a declining limit on emissions while allowing businesses to trade allowances, providing flexibility in meeting reduction targets. The program has played a significant role in helping the state meet its climate goals, which include reducing greenhouse gas emissions to at least 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. While AB 1207 does not yet outline specific policy changes, it signals early legislative efforts to continue the cap-and-trade framework. The program’s reauthorization is expected to be a topic of debate, as lawmakers, environmental advocates, and industry stakeholders weigh its economic and environmental impacts in shaping California’s long-term climate strategy.

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The U.S. Department of Energy has approved a $1.67 billion loan guarantee to support the expansion of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in Montana. The funding aims to increase biofuel output to approximately 315 million gallons annually, with a significant portion dedicated to SAF, reinforcing efforts to scale up cleaner alternatives in the aviation sector. Once fully operational, the expanded facility is expected to contribute a substantial share of North American SAF production, playing a key role in advancing renewable fuel adoption. The project is also set to create hundreds of construction jobs and long-term operational positions, supporting economic growth alongside sustainability goals.

Researchers from Flinders University, in collaboration with experts from the U.S. and Germany, have identified a novel solar cell process that could significantly advance the generation of green hydrogen using solar power. This breakthrough involves a new class of kinetically stable tin-based perovskite oxides that show promise as catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction, a key step in splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. The study demonstrates that these tin compounds can absorb a broad spectrum of sunlight and drive fuel-producing reactions efficiently. The findings, published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, open up possibilities for cost-effective, high-performance solar-driven hydrogen production systems, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional silicon-based solar technologies. Green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis powered by renewable energy, is a critical component of low-carbon energy solutions. This development could enhance the scalability and affordability of green hydrogen, further supporting its industrial adoption. The research builds on prior work in photocatalytic activity and leverages expertise from Flinders University, Baylor University, and Universit?t Münster, among others, to address challenges in stabilizing reactive tin compounds for practical applications.

Researchers from King's College London and the Brazilian Biorenewables National Laboratory have developed a groundbreaking method to convert cooking oil waste into biofuel that rivals diesel in efficiency, while being 1,000 times more efficient than current methods. Published in Green Chemistry, the study uses a modified enzyme, P450 decarboxylase, to break down fatty acids into alkenes—key components of high-performance fuels. The innovative process involves placing the enzyme in a liquid salt medium, activating it with UV light to boost alkene yield significantly, reducing raw material needs and production energy. Unlike traditional methods, this approach eliminates the use of precious metal catalysts like platinum and toxic chemicals, making it more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The team envisions broad applications, including producing fuels for aviation, while exploring potential uses in pharmaceuticals. This breakthrough highlights biofuel's role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting greenhouse gas emissions, addressing critical climate change challenges.

A recent study from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) reveals that federally controlled reservoirs across the United States have significant potential to support floating solar panel installations. Researchers estimate that these reservoirs could generate up to 1,476 terawatt hours annually—enough to power approximately 100 million homes. Floating solar panels offer several advantages: they do not require land, reduce water evaporation, and cool water bodies, improving efficiency. While the U.S. has yet to see large-scale installations of floating solar projects, this research highlights opportunities to integrate them with existing hydropower facilities, creating hybrid energy systems that enhance grid resilience. Future research will refine the analysis, considering factors such as environmental impacts, costs, and regulatory navigation to identify optimal development sites. This initiative aligns with broader clean energy goals and underscores the role of innovation in transforming renewable energy landscapes.

Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced by pyrolyzing biomass, has often been recognized for improving soil health and sequestering carbon. However, its role as a long-term carbon dioxide removal (CDR) solution has been underestimated in conventional models, including those used by the IPCC and European climate policymakers. A new study led by Aarhus University challenges these outdated assumptions, positioning biochar as a vital tool in climate mitigation strategies. The research highlights flaws in current carbon modeling frameworks, which have underestimated the stability of carbon stored in biochar. According to the findings, biochar can store carbon for millions of years, making it a highly reliable and scalable CDR technology. The study argues for its immediate inclusion in global climate strategies as a "shovel-ready" solution capable of addressing the urgent need for carbon reduction. Denmark, already a leader in climate initiatives, stands to gain significantly from these insights. The country has incorporated biochar into its plan for carbon neutrality by 2050, and the new findings provide a foundation for broader adoption in carbon markets globally. The researchers call on policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to act swiftly, integrating biochar into climate action plans using updated and accurate models. With its capacity for large-scale deployment, biochar offers a scientifically validated path toward effective carbon removal and a more sustainable future.

Rural counties in southwestern Minnesota are setting a benchmark for clean energy development through collaborative efforts to simplify policies, encourage local benefits, and reduce opposition to renewable projects. The Rural Minnesota Energy Board, which represents 18 counties, facilitates discussions among local leaders, engages with developers, and advocates for supportive state policies. Its work has created a stable environment for renewable energy projects, making southwestern Minnesota a hub for wind and solar energy. The region generates significant economic benefits from renewable projects, including millions in annual wind production tax revenues used for infrastructure improvements. The board has also been instrumental in addressing misinformation, ensuring accurate communication about clean energy benefits, and influencing statewide renewable energy policies. As wind turbines and solar installations become more prevalent, the region's proactive approach is serving as a model for other areas navigating clean energy transitions.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $22.92 billion in loans to eight utilities across 12 states to modernize and expand power infrastructure. These funds, allocated through the DOE's Title 17 Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment program, aim to support clean energy generation, grid upgrades, and gas pipeline improvements. Projects include constructing new transmission lines, upgrading existing ones, and implementing advanced grid technologies to optimize performance. The initiative aligns with federal decarbonization goals and is expected to boost clean energy at the gigawatt scale while replacing outdated infrastructure. Significant recipients include Pacific Corp in the western U.S., receiving $3.52 billion, and DTE Electric in Michigan, allocated $7.17 billion, among others across various states. These investments underline the government’s commitment to supporting technological advancements and sustainable energy transitions across the nation.