Lawmakers cool on sci-fi climate fix

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Jul 18, 2023 View in browser   By Jason Plautz Former Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.) tried to fund geoengineering research through spending bills. | AP Photo/Andrew Harnik Congress isn’t keen on creating a real-world version of “Snowpiercer,” the sci-fi classic where humans fire aerosols into the atmosphere to counteract climate change. The White House said such geoengineering was a “possibility” worth studying in a recent report — mandated by Congress — that came out with zero fanfare before the July Fourth weekend. But Emma Dumain and Corbin Hiar found little enthusiasm among lawmakers for monkeying with the atmosphere, especially as a substitute for reducing carbon pollution. "Why try a complicated and potentially dangerous solution when we have the obvious one right in front of us?" asked Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). The backstory: The idea of geoengineering has kicked around science and policy circles for years, but language from former Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.) in a 2022 spending bill forced the White House to weigh in. McNerney, who retired in January, said most members of Congress aren’t educated enough to consider what could be a last-ditch solution to stem the warming of the Earth. “If we just put our heads in the sand," he said, "we may not have any means to prevent catastrophe if it’s looming.” McNerney was turned on to geoengineering years ago by SilverLining, a group that advocates for research on what it calls “emergency medicine” for the climate. That includes harnessing particles in the atmosphere to reflect back sunlight. Hold up: The group’s leader, Kelly Wanser, says she knows geoengineering has risks. (Spoiler alert: “Snowpiercer” takes place in an apocalyptic ice age.) That’s why she wants Congress to study it. And that’s about as far as lawmakers are ready to go — if they’ll discuss geoengineering at all. California Rep. Zoe Lofgren, the top Democrat on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, told Emma and Corbin she worries about “catastrophic” outcomes from tinkering with the planet. The committee’s chair, Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), said he hasn’t even seen the White House report. Many climate advocates oppose the idea. Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) introduced climate legislation last year that would have barred federal spending on geoengineering. Even the White House report said that “there are no plans underway” for a geoengineering research program. But Rep. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) warned against failing to prepare for technology that other countries may embrace. “If we haven’t done the research to determine what are the consequences of doing this,” he said, “then we can’t really complain if someone else does this research and decides to do something.”   It's Tuesday — thank you for tuning in to POLITICO's Power Switch. I'm your host, Jason Plautz. Arianna will be back soon! Power Switch is brought to you by the journalists behind E&E News and POLITICO Energy. Send your tips, comments, questions to askibell@eenews.net. Listen to today’s POLITICO Energy podcast Today in POLITICO Energy’s podcast: Zack Colman breaks down how world governments are reacting to record-breaking disasters and if it’s too late to take meaningful climate action. Power Centers GOP energy donors are shelling out for former President Donald Trump's competition in the 2024 presidential primary. | POLITICO illustration/Photos by AP, Francis Chung/POLITICO, iStock Trump's energy deficit Many energy industry executives are putting their money into the Republican presidential primary — but not for former President Donald Trump, writes Robin Bravender. Executives who have given to Trump in the past — or even, in the case of former United Nations Ambassador Kelly Craft, worked for him — are giving to his rivals this year. In the words of longtime Texas lobbyist Bill Miller, it’s a sign that “Trump has issues.” Thacker Pass gets a pass A federal appeals court sided with the Biden administration over its approval of a contested lithium mine in northern Nevada. Niina H. Farah and Hannah Northey write that the approval of the Thacker Pass mine is a win for the administration’s climate objectives, since it will supply a key component of batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage. Don't walk, run The concept of the 15-minute city — where shops, schools and other resources are within walking distance of people’s homes — is a staple of sustainable urban planning. But Scott Waldman writes that it’s also become the subject of conspiratorial attacks from the right. Even the Republican presidential primary has seen candidates attack each other for supporting urban design that they say would result in segmented cities where people are surveilled and barred from moving freely. (This hysteria is also cropping up in Europe.)   HITTING YOUR INBOX AUGUST 14—CALIFORNIA CLIMATE: Climate change isn’t just about the weather. It's also about how we do business and create new policies, especially in California. So we have something cool for you: A brand-new California Climate newsletter. It's not just climate or science chat, it's your daily cheat sheet to understanding how the legislative landscape around climate change is shaking up industries across the Golden State. Cut through the jargon and get the latest developments in California as lawmakers and industry leaders adapt to the changing climate. Subscribe now to California Climate to keep up with the changes.     In Other News Record breaker: On Tuesday, Phoenix notched its 19th consecutive day with highs of at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The record-breaking heat has had disproportionate effects on minority neighborhoods. Drilling down: Houston-based startup Fervo Energy announced a successful performance demonstration for technology it says could expand the opportunities to use geothermal power to generate electricity. Subscriber Zone A showcase of some of our best subscriber content. Salvation Army volunteer Francisca Corral gives water to a man at the charity's Valley Heat Relief Station in Phoenix last week. | Matt York/AP Photo Lawmakers are pushing for the federal government to consider high temperatures as major disasters, opening the door to federal aid during heat waves like the one gripping parts of the country. The European Parliament is moving away from its ambitious Green Deal agenda, with the center-right European People’s Party calling for a “moratorium” on climate rulemaking ahead of next year’s elections. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) says his state is starting the process of formally phasing out gas-powered cars by 2035, following the lead of California. That's it for today, folks! Thanks for reading.   JOIN 7/26 FOR A TALK ON THE NEW ENERGY ECONOMY: Join POLITICO's lively discussion, "Powering a Clean Energy Economy," on July 26 at 5:15 PM ET. We'll explore the effectiveness of consumer-targeted policies to boost sustainability and create clean energy jobs. How are the Inflation Reduction Act's provisions faring? Which strategies truly sway consumer behavior? How are advances in technology shaking things up? And, what's the future for energy consumption reduction? Hear from featured speaker, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), among other experts. Don't miss this insightful event — register today and be part of the conversation driving America's clean energy future! REGISTER NOW.       Follow us on Twitter Arianna Skibell @ariannaskibell   Follow us

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