How CDR Can Survive Trump? - with Jennifer Wilcox

In this episode of The CDR Policy Scoop, Sebastian Manhart and Eve Tamme are joined by Jennifer Wilcox, Presidential Distinguished Professor at the University of Pennsylvania and former Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management at the U.S. Department of Energy.

Recorded amid major policy shifts in Washington, the conversation explores what has changed - and what has not - for carbon management and carbon removal in the United States. Jennifer reflects on her time at the DOE during the Biden administration, including the reorientation of federal funding toward climate mitigation, the launch of large-scale demonstration programs, and the Carbon Negative Earthshot.

The episode dives into the current landscape: paused or uncertain funding for DAC hubs and purchase programs, the ongoing role of tax credits such as 45Q, and how Congressional appropriations interact with administrative reorganizations. Jennifer explains why some federal incentives remain intact, how unobligated funds could still shape the future, and why tax policy continues to provide a foundation for investment even amid political turbulence.

Sebastian and Eve also explore the intersection of AI-driven data center growth, energy infrastructure, and carbon removal - including emerging models where direct air capture integrates with geothermal energy or supports data center cooling. The discussion highlights the importance of aligning CDR with broader industrial priorities such as nuclear, critical minerals, and domestic energy production.

The episode concludes with a forward-looking message: safeguard progress by embedding carbon removal in communities, regional strengths, and bipartisan economic value. Policies may shift, but learning, infrastructure, and local ownership create momentum that is difficult to reverse.

Links:

• Eve Tamme: LinkedIn and Website
• Sebastian Manhart: LinkedIn and Website
• Professor Jennifer Wilcox: LinkedIn

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