Are we getting in our own way when it comes to developing clean, reliable energy? Virtually the entire world is aware of concerns being expressed over anthropogenic greenhouse gases. As energy-intensive technologies continue to rapidly develop, pressures to create cleaner and more abundant energy are not likely to abate anytime soon. However, roadblocks and hurdles continue to pose challenges for energy development and improvement.
Virgin Atlantic 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel Flight
Last year, Virgin Atlantic announced that, “On the 28th of November (2023), Virgin Atlantic’s Flight 100 will take to the skies on our unique flight mission from London Heathrow to JFK to become the world’s first commercial airline to fly transatlantic on 100% sustainable aviation fuel. When they said it was too difficult, we said: challenge accepted. Virgin Atlantic Flight 100. See the world differently.”
Their Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is made up mainly of used cooking oil and plant-based products. This was an achievement as SAF can include up to 50% fossil fuels and the Virgin Atlantic flight was 100% SAF.
Lower Environmental Footprint
Following the successful flight (no commercial passengers), Virgin Atlantic stated, “Overall, Flight 100 had delivered a lifecycle CO2 emissions saving of 64% and around 40% lower non-CO2 emissions (particulates such as water, sulphur oxides, soot and nitrous oxides) compared to fossil derived fuels.”
Virgin Atlantic further stated that the use of 100% SAF saved the lifecycle equivalent of 95 tonnes of CO2 or 64% of the emissions of a standard London Heathrow to New York JFK flight.
Complaints
An article by Lewis Silkin LLP (British Law Firm) on the Virgin Atlantic achievement points out that five people complained to the United Kingdom-based Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The complaint was that the claim “100% sustainable aviation fuel gave a misleading impression of the fuel’s environmental impact” and that it gave the impression that the fuel had no adverse environmental effects.
Virgin Atlantic argued that “the Average Consumer would understand ‘100% sustainable aviation fuel’ to refer to a fuel made from sustainable sources, ‘which reduced but did not necessarily completely eliminate greenhouse gases.’” They went so far as to conduct a consumer survey that found that 68% of respondents understood that SAF was “significantly” or “somewhat” better for the environment than traditional jet fuel.
While nearly seven in ten respondents to the survey understood the benefit of SAF, the ASA upheld the complaint.
As a result, ASA banned a radio advertisement from Virgin Atlantic over claims about the environmental benefits of SAF.
To read more about the decision see “ASA Ruling on Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd t/a Virgin Atlantic.”
Throughout the modern environmental movement, companies and entrepreneurs have found ways to reduce waste and reduce the impact to human health and the environment. Legal actions and complaints such as this one (by less than a ½ dozen people) certainly are not conducive to encouraging others to make this type of substantial investment of time, money, and effort.
Streamlining All Energy Projects
The United States Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy states, “…energy independence and energy security enhance national security, American competitiveness, and economic standing. Reliable energy is critical for our economy.”
Reliable energy is essential for our lives, economy, and national security. So streamlining the permitting process to get the energy to market is vital.
Enter the bipartisan Energy Permitting Reform Act (EPRA) of 2024 (Senate Bill 4753) introduced by Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Senator John Barrasso (R-WY).
According to a blog by HK Law, “At its core, S. 4753 seeks to update and streamline permitting rules in an effort to speed the deployment of new energy infrastructure projects and boost the production and transmission of both renewable energy and traditional fossil fuels. The legislation aims to facilitate faster permitting processes for coal, oil and natural gas, renewable energy, critical mineral mining and transmission lines.”
EPRA Will Reduce Emissions
According to Third Way (a self-described “think tank that champions modern center-left ideas”), “Using modeling from industry-leading analysts, Third Way examined a range of possible outcomes for the US’s energy mix under EPRA. Taken as a whole, the analysis finds that EPRA results in net emissions reductions, in both low and high-range scenarios. Even under a ‘worst-case’ emissions scenario – in which the highest projections for fossil fuel-related net emissions increases are paired with the lowest projections for transmission deployment – Third Way’s analysis shows that EPRA will reduce net greenhouse gas emissions, advancing the fight to combat climate change while ensuring continued reliability in the energy sector” (their emphasis).
Bipartisan and center-left support for the energy Bill would indicate a winning formula – paving the way for reliable energy and cleaner energy. Yet, opposition mounts from environmental groups.
Environmental Groups Oppose the Bill
Several environmental groups have come out in opposition to the Energy Permitting Reform Act. For example, New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance stated that they have joined over 175 organizations in opposing U.S. Senate Bill 4753.
Earth Justice released a statement that says, in part, “This bill may have a different name, but it’s the same fossil fuel giveaway we’ve seen before, consistently putting profits over communities. It was crafted in the backrooms of Washington and rushed to a committee vote without a legislative process, preventing those most impacted by its provisions from making their voices heard. It’s concerning that too many leaders in Washington are willing to quickly greenlight polluting projects for industries with a clear record of contaminating our air and water while minimizing the concerns of those forced to deal with the consequences. Instead of doing the bidding of fossil fuel companies that care nothing about the energy transition, we need real solutions that help us build out clean energy infrastructure while protecting communities.”
Growing Energy Demand
We are an energy intensive society, and these demands will only grow as we continue to develop artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies. According to the US Department of Energy, “…in response to transformations in technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), data center expansion, new domestic manufacturing, and electrification in different sectors, the United States is returning to a period of rising electricity demand, with total energy demand potentially growing ~15-20%.”
A glimmer of hope on the energy front is the increased energy produced from nuclear power plants. The support for the new power plants is coming from more left-leaning groups who understand the need for reliable energy.
Google announced they were signing the world’s first corporate agreement to purchase nuclear energy from multiple small modular reactors to be developed by Kairos Power.
Amazon also stated they are investing in small nuclear reactors. They state that they plan on being operational by 2030.
Terra Power, founded by Bill Gates, recently broke ground on the Natrium nuclear power plant in Wyoming.
Energy and Humanity
We know both intuitively and empirically that energy is essential for life. In fact, the United Nations in promoting sustainable energy states, “Our everyday life depends on reliable and affordable energy.”
Data show that as nations increase energy use, life expectancy rises and individual wealth and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rises. While we need to consider multiple concerns and viewpoints, we cannot ignore the requisite need to develop clean, reliable energy for everyone and to do so without unnecessary roadblocks.
Environmental Advice
Dragun Corporation has been assisting the regulated community with environmental compliance, assessment/remediation, and litigation support since 1988. If you need assistance with an environmental issue, including litigation support, contact Jeffrey Bolin, M.S., CHMM, at 248-932-0228, Ext. 125.
Dragun Corporation does not use artificial intelligence in drafting our blogs or any other material.
Alan Hahn drafted this blog. Alan has an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and completed a graduate program in Environmental Management. He has worked in environmental management for 45 years. He has written hundreds of blogs and articles. His published work includes Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Detroiter, Michigan Forward, GreenStone Partners, Manure Manager Magazine, Progressive Dairy, and HazMat Magazine.
Jeffrey Bolin, M.S., reviewed this blog. Jeff is a partner and senior scientist at Dragun Corporation. He is a published author, frequent speaker, and expert witness. His expertise in environmental due diligence, PFAS, vapor intrusion, and site assessments has led to projects in the US, Canada, and overseas. See Jeff’s Bio.
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