• 5 MIN READ

2022: A Year of Industrial Innovation

2022: A Year of Industrial Innovation 

As the year draws to a close, we reflect upon the many strides the US took down the path toward industrial decarbonization in 2022. The federal government passed and began implementing historic climate legislation, while states made their own commitments and plans to cut emissions from the industrial sector.

“Collaborating with the I3 coalition has allowed CATF to better understand industry perspectives on industrial decarbonization. We have greatly appreciated having this avenue to learn and engage with a broader coalition on US state and federal climate policies.”

Angela Seligman, Ph.D., Senior Manager, U.S. State Policy and Advocacy, Clean Air Task Force 

The Industrial Innovation Initiative tracked and influenced these efforts across the US; connecting our industrial, labor, environmental, and analytical stakeholders with decision-makers and with each other in efforts to put American industry on a path toward net-zero emissions by midcentury.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law & The Inflation Reduction Act

Throughout 2022, the political and legislative landscape has changed significantly and the opportunities for industrial decarbonization have never been greater. With recent industrial innovation policies, including Executive Orders, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), and the budget reconciliation package, known as the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), the movement to cut climate-damaging emissions from our industrial sector secured several monumental wins. 

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Implementation of the significant investments made in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 began in earnest this year and to date, the Biden-Harris Administration has delivered over $185 billion in funding to states, tribes, territories, and local governments. The scope of this investment is traceable, with thousands of projects already announced – representing just a fraction of what’s to come.   

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This year the US Department of Energy released Funding Opportunities for both the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Program, which will lay a foundation for the US clean hydrogen economy, and Direct Air Capture Hubs Program, which will stand up a network of carbon capture facilities critical for removing carbon emissions from the atmosphere. In June, I3 gathered Initiative participants, prospective hubs applicants, and DOE leadership for a day of collaboration in Washington D.C., to discuss the challenges and opportunities these hubs present.  

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This summer also saw the passage of the highly anticipated budget reconciliation package, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which supports the financial and tax mechanisms necessary to bring decarbonization solutions to scale and meet midcentury climate goals. These investments, paired with the provisions within the BIL, make industrial decarbonization solutions more economically and technically feasible than ever before.  

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Federal agencies, including the US Department of Energy, General Services Administration, Internal Revenue Service, and Treasury Department issued requests for information and comment to help inform the frameworks and considerations necessary to ensure the effective implementation of these critical programs. I3 staff, with input from the Initiative’s Federal Working Group, submitted responses to eight such requests as they relate to our policy priorities this year. 

Read our Responses Here → and Here →

State Strides to Decarbonize Industry

Just as there is no one-size-fits-all solution for decarbonizing the industrial sector, every state has a unique set of decarbonization needs based on emissions profile, available resources, geography, and other factors. Increasingly, states are working to develop robust decarbonization plans supported by regulatory and policy frameworks that take these unique needs into consideration.  

In February, I3 partnered with the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) to host a webinar for our respective members, discussing the opportunities for industrial decarbonization within states. This initial conversation set the stage for I3’s growing emphasis on decarbonization work at the state level.  

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In 2022 the Initiative worked with the states of Michigan and Louisiana to consider the needs particular to each state and connect their offices with our participants. In January, the Michigan Council on Climate Solutions released an early iteration of the plan for public input, for which I3 submitted comments calling for additional action for the plan’s decarbonization strategies for industry. The plan, released in April, included much more robust industrial considerations, taking many of our recommendations into account.  

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Louisiana is the only Gulf Coast state with a climate action plan — and considering nearly 60 percent of the state’s emissions profile can be attributed to the industrial sector, industrial decarbonization will be key to achieving emissions reduction goals in the state. Building relationships with the Louisiana Governor’s office, I3 participants were briefed on the state’s Climate Action Plan and have begun collaborating on policy and analysis to help support the plan’s implementation. In October, participants traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana to hear from DOE leadership, and meet with state officials, local labor representatives, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, and local industry leaders to discuss the importance of state action for industrial decarbonization.  

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States will play a critical role in reducing US industrial emissions. Supported by recent federal programs and funding, states can craft a regulatory and policy landscape that spurs local action, drives private investments, and complements federal incentives. I3 staff, with input from the Initiative’s State Working Group, developed a cross-cutting guide which outlines best practices and examples from recent state legislation across the country to aid decision-makers and advocates seeking to develop policy.  

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Understanding Industrial Sectors and Solutions

In addition to our work on Federal and State initiatives, I3 also strives to educate and increase understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent to each of our industrial sectors.  

“Advanced nuclear energy can make a major contribution to industrial decarbonization. Its role will vary based on the specific industrial application and advanced reactor technology. Participating in the I3 initiative has allowed NIA to collaborate with industry, labor, and other NGOs on industrial decarbonization policy creation and implementation using all promising technologies, including advanced nuclear energy.”

Victor Ibarra Jr., Analyst, Nuclear Innovation Alliance  

Through discussions among participants, outside experts invited to speak at I3 meetings, and more formal factsheets and publications, the Initiative provided many opportunities for our participants to learn from and share insights with each other.

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Conclusion

I3 values a stable climate, a safe and healthy environment, thriving livelihoods for American workers, and a strong US economy. Industry represents approximately 30 percent of the US emissions profile. Federal action, paired with state-level policies and regulations, will be critical for decarbonizing this critical sector of the US economy.  This year, our members demonstrated their commitment to putting American industry on a path to achieve net-zero emissions by midcentury, while supporting high-wage job retention and creation, technology leadership, and economic competitiveness. Continued policy advocacy and effective implementation of 2022’s many legislative wins will be vital to ensuring we achieve our climate goals in a way that is good for the environment, protects communities, and supports the US industrial sector.

Keep up to date with I3 news by signing up for our monthly newsletter. For more information about I3 or to get involved, contact David Soll at dsoll@gpisd.net.

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Labor Engagement Manager for Industrial Innovation and Carbon Management, GPI

Alejandro comes to GPI from Labor Union SEIU-United Service Workers West. He represented union workers from downtown Los Angeles and LA’s westside corridor of Century City, Westwood, and Beverly Hills. Alejandro enforced various collective bargaining agreements for union workers, ensuring annual wage increases, health insurance, and other benefits and protections. In addition, he worked with union leaders and outside stakeholders, such as community partners, public agencies, politicians, and industry experts, to develop and execute union campaigns. Alejandro was also part of the Los Angeles-Justice for Janitors 2021 union contract campaign—he helped execute and coordinate large-scale actions across LA’s metropolitan area. Previously, he served as the Nevada state canvassing director at For Our Future Action Fund. He holds a BA in international studies and Italian from the University of Kansas.

Senior Program Coordinator for Industrial Innovation and Carbon Management, GPI

Carrie Danner joined the Great Plains Institute in 2023 and serves as the operations coordinator for the Industrial Innovation and Carbon Management team. In her work, she supports all projects within the program to elevate operations, particularly in grant-making and event planning. Carrie earned a bachelor’s degree from Knox College in environmental studies. Prior to joining GPI, she supported programs at the Conservation Corps of Minnesota & Iowa as their member experience administrator.

Industry Program Coordinator, GPI

Alana joined GPI in 2024 as a program associate on the Industrial Innovation and Carbon Management team, specifically supporting the Industrial Innovation Initiative, where she helps to advance industrial decarbonization through GPI’s consensus-building approach. Alana previously worked as an account executive at Jamf, where she helped current K-12 education customers improve and scale the management and security of their Apple device deployments. Alana has spent most of her professional years working with Minnesota nonprofits, including two years as an AmeriCorps member with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. She holds a bachelor’s degree in community environmental studies from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Zachary Byrum, Research Analyst, WRI

Zachary Byrum is a Research Analyst in WRI's U.S. Climate Program, where he provides technology and policy analysis for carbon removal and deep decarbonization. His work focuses on pathways to reduce industrial emissions as well as bolstering technological carbon removal. Prior to WRI, Zach was a research assistant in the Carbon Management Research Initiative at the Center on Global Energy Policy. In the preceding years, he served as White House Intern in the National Economic Council under the Obama Administration and then an assistant analyst at the Congressional Budget Office. Zach holds a Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy from the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University and a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Goucher College.

Senior Advisor of Industrial Innovation, WRI United States

Angela Anderson is the Director of Industrial Innovation and Carbon Removal in the Climate Program. She leads WRI's growing portfolio of work in industrial decarbonization and carbon removal and aims to change narratives around “hard-to-abate” sectors and promote the natural and technological interventions required to achieve net-zero targets. Prior to joining WRI, Angela worked as a program director, coalition builder, international advocate, and campaign strategist. She led the Climate and Energy Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists for ten years; facilitated US-NGO engagement in the international climate negotiations while at US Climate Action Network and at the Pew Environmental Trust; and founded Clear the Air, a national coalition to reduce pollution from power plants. Angela holds a B.A. in political science from Colorado State University.

Vice President of Industrial Innovation and Carbon Management, GPI

Patrice Lahlum is the Vice President of the Industrial Innovation and Carbon Management program at the Great Plains Institute. The Institute, headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, works with diverse stakeholders and communities across the country to transform the energy system to benefit people, the economy, and the environment. We strive to combine our unique consensus-building approach, expert knowledge and analysis, and local action to promote solutions that strengthen communities, shore up the nation’s industrial base, and enhance domestic energy independence, all while eliminating carbon emissions. Patrice oversees several initiatives, including the Carbon Capture Coalition, Industrial Innovation Initiative, Carbon Action Alliance, and the Regional Carbon Capture Deployment Initiative.

Senior Content Specialist for Industrial Innovation and Carbon Management, GPI

Kate Sullivan joined the Great Plains Institute in 2019. As Senior Content Specialist, Kate uses her analytical and design skills to provide research, writing, and logistical support across the Industrial Innovation and Carbon Management team. Prior to joining GPI, Kate worked as an Energy Counselor in the Center for Energy and Environment’s residential department, assisting homeowners with their energy needs and providing resources for efficiency upgrades. Kate earned her BA in Biology from St. Olaf College with an emphasis in Environmental Studies.

Senior Program Manager for Industrial Innovation and Carbon Management, GPI

Jill Syvrud joined the Great Plains Institute in 2017 and serves as the program manager for the Industrial Innovation and Carbon Management Program. In addition to overseeing the overall program, Jill directly supports the Industrial Innovation Initiative, a coalition advancing decarbonization solutions for the Midcontinent region’s most important industrial sectors. Jill earned a bachelor of science in biology from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and a master of science degree in science technology and environmental policy from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Jill’s past experience includes multiple graduate research assistantships concentrating on technology innovation and sustainable megacities, as well as a previous position as an administrative and outreach coordination intern with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association.