21st Century Regenerative Technology

1. Pelosi, Frank Send Un-Valentine to Automakers Ahead of Restructuring Plan Deadline
2. Big Win for Carbon Recyclers, Startups in Compromise Stimulus

Pelosi, Frank Send Un-Valentine to Automakers Ahead of Restructuring...

2009-02-14 20:00

Josie Garthwaite - Automotive

For executives at Chrysler and GM, “long weekend” may take on a new meaning these next few days. The two companies have until Tuesday to submit their restructuring plans to the federal government. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank sent a little note on Friday reminding the automakers of their assignment. In short: Show us how on earth you represent a good investment for taxpayers.

The letter, released publicly on Speaker Pelosi’s site, includes this tidbit on what’s expected in terms of innovation and efficiency:

A demonstration of your ability to achieve or exceed the fuel efficiency requirements set forth in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, and the emissions standards adopted by California and other states, if they receive Federal approval, and become a long-term global leader in the production of fuel-efficient and advanced technology vehicles.

And then, the signoff:

We trust that your restructuring plan will demonstrate to the world that you are willing to make the tough decisions that modernize your operations, restructure your debt, enhance your competitive status in the global marketplace, and protect American jobs for the future. Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

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Big Win for Carbon Recyclers, Startups in Compromise Stimulus

2009-02-14 13:00

Josie Garthwaite - Policy

Just a few days ago, it looked like carbon recyclers and startups would get the short end of the stimulus stick — doomed to an uneven battle with coal companies and their preferred strategy for carbon capture and sequestration, which involves shoving emissions into geologic formations, and keeping them there. But today the House approved a compromise version of the stimulus bill that includes a key clause in the section on fossil energy R&D (emphasis added):

Funds under this heading include…$1,520,000,000 for a competitive solicitation for a range of industrial carbon capture and energy efficiency improvement projects, including a small allocation for innovative concepts for beneficial CO2 reuse…

Sure, “a small allocation” is wide open to interpretation. But this revision gives startups working with algae bioreactors and other technologies a much better chance of competing for at least a portion of the spending allocated for carbon capture (if the Senate and President also approve it). “For these startups,” said Elizabeth Moeller, public policy group leader for Pillsbury Winthrop in D.C. and a lobbyist for the algae-based carbon recycler Ternion Bio, “even a little bit of $100 million could go a long way.”

For policy wonks, the full conference report can be found in the Congressional Record here.