The carbon removal sector is fundamentally rebranding itself to survive the Trump presidency, abandoning climate-focused messaging in favor of arguments centered on American energy leadership and economic strength.
The strategy appears to be working. Two major federally backed projects received approval from Trump's Energy Department this month to move forward, marking a turning point after more than a year of uncertainty while the administration reviewed Biden-era funding commitments.
Industry leaders are making three core arguments to the Trump administration. First, that carbon removal technology can eventually operate without subsidies, much like fracking did before achieving profitability. Second, that the sector serves national security interests by producing sustainable aviation fuel and supporting enhanced oil recovery. Third, that projects create jobs and economic growth in communities with strong local backing, particularly in states like Louisiana where Republican leaders support the infrastructure.
"Carbon removal can be the next prosperous and competitive American industry," said Giana Amador, founding executive director of the Carbon Removal Alliance, a trade group formed in 2023 to represent the emerging sector. Speaking at San Francisco Climate Week, Amador emphasized that the industry has a compelling case to support Trump's energy dominance goals.
Heirloom, a carbon removal startup, is partnering with Swiss company Climeworks on a major hub in Louisiana. Heirloom uses minerals to absorb carbon dioxide from the air, while Climeworks relies on large fans and filters. The joint venture is among two major hubs approved by the Trump administration out of 21 projects previously authorized under Biden.
Vikrum Aiyer, head of global public policy at Heirloom, reframed carbon dioxide itself as a strategic asset rather than a problem. "The biggest missed opportunity from the Biden administration was articulating carbon dioxide as just a liability, instead of thinking of it as a strategic commodity for America's competitive edge," Aiyer said.
The Trump Energy Department reviewed more than 2,000 projects to determine which aligned with the administration's priorities. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told lawmakers the department focused on projects that advance American ratepayers, taxpayers, and national security interests. At least 10 carbon removal projects received approval, including two major hubs in Texas and Louisiana that could each receive roughly 600 million dollars.
Resistance persists, however. Local opponents in Louisiana have raised safety and environmental concerns, staging protests at the state Capitol this spring. Columbia Law School research scholar Romany Webb concluded the outlook for carbon capture in Louisiana appears challenging given mounting community opposition.
Microsoft, the sector's largest voluntary backer, has also paused new carbon removal purchases, creating additional headwinds for companies counting on private sector support.
The fundamental shift reflects the reality facing the carbon removal industry: survival depends on fitting within the Trump administration's framework, not the climate agenda that birthed the sector years ago.
Author James Rodriguez: "The industry's pivot shows how thoroughly Trump is reshaping energy policy, but the real test comes when these projects actually begin operations and face community resistance head-on."
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