395: Bright Spots in US Federal Policy? Carbon removal as essential American infrastructure—w/ Eli Cain, Carbon Removal Alliance

US federal carbon dioxide removal policy is a fragment of its former self. But are rumors of its death greatly exaggerated? (Sorry, Mark Twain.)

Eli Cain, Deputy Director of Policy at the Carbon Removal Alliance, comes on the show to give a reality check on US federal policy for carbon removal. Where is the action still happening, and what do we have to look forward to?

Despite a political environment that looks grim from the outside, Eli makes the case that real progress is happening:

• $125 million in FY26 appropriations
• Bipartisan congressional support that tripled year over year
• FY26 appropriations: $80 million for DOE R&D and $45 million for the CDR purchase pilot prize
• CRA's fly-in day: from 5 Republican congressional meetings last year to 17 this year

• a messaging strategy built around industrial integration that is opening doors across the aisle.

When enhanced rock weathering can save farmers money, or carbon mineralization can reduce mining waste liabilities, there is a path forward. We also dig into why 45Q survived the reconciliation process, and what it takes to build durable policy in a volatile political moment.

"Every single carbon removal company in our membership is deploying in partnership with industrial players."

- Eli Cain, Carbon Removal Alliance

This Episode's Sponsor

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⁠Listen to the RCC episode with Lev Gantly about the history and current status of CORSIA⁠

Resources

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⁠391: How Carbon Removal Loses: The End of "Pre-Compliance"

Carbon Removal Alliance

Carbon180

EMRTAI program for mineralization