Why It Matters
Fidelis New Energy is lobbying to secure federal tax incentives and streamlined permitting for hydrogen and carbon capture projects as the industry faces existential policy uncertainty. Fidelis’s focus on securing favorable tax treatment for hydrogen production and carbon capture, plus permitting reform, directly addresses the regulatory and financial barriers that determine whether its projects get built.
By the Numbers
Fidelis New Energy paid Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP $60,000 for final quarter 2025 lobbying work. Since entering federal lobbying in 2022, Fidelis has invested $850,000 over 16 total disclosures—exclusively with the same firm. The company has maintained a stable partnership focused on two core issues: clean energy tax credits (13 of 18 documented instances) and federal permitting reform (5 instances).
The Agenda
Fidelis New Energy is lobbying Congress on implementing federal tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act and streamlining federal permitting for energy infrastructure. The company is pushing for favorable treatment of hydrogen production tax credits.
A key legislative target is The Financing Our Energy Future Act (H.R. 2545), which would allow hydrogen and carbon capture projects to be structured as publicly traded partnerships—unlocking new financing sources.
Broader Context
Fidelis is navigating a volatile policy environment with conflicting pressures. The Trump administration slashed $2.2 billion in hydrogen hub funding, with California’s ARCHES hub losing $1.2 billion. Meanwhile, the 45V hydrogen tax credit faces criticism for insufficient certainty and political threats.
However, opportunities exist. Bipartisan permitting reform efforts are advancing, and the OBBBA expanded publicly traded partnership eligibility to include hydrogen and carbon capture projects. Data center power demand is expected to accelerate 175 percent by 2030, creating substantial opportunities for low-carbon energy developers.
Between The Lines
Several Senate hearings signal bipartisan momentum on permitting reform. A February 2025 hearing on CCUS advancement emphasized streamlining regulatory reviews, while another on federal environmental review processes focused on reducing infrastructure delays—core Fidelis advocacy targets.
However, political debate over Section 45V has intensified, with Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) praising final Treasury rules while Representative Chris Deluzio (D-PA) criticized them as insufficient.
Competitive Landscape
The Clean Hydrogen Future Coalition actively lobbies on Section 45V implementation and hydrogen research appropriations. Summit Agricultural Group LLC pursues overlapping advocacy on both 45V hydrogen and 45Q carbon capture credits. The National Association of Manufacturers wields substantial influence promoting CCUS technology and permitting reform. This alignment suggests bipartisan momentum on certain issues, though competition for federal funding remains fierce.
The Bottom Line
Fidelis has invested $850,000 in lobbying since 2022, focusing on hydrogen tax credits and permitting reform. Congress is actively reshaping clean energy policy, creating both opportunities and uncertainties. While the Trump administration’s funding cuts and ongoing 45V debate create headwinds, bipartisan permitting reform and expanding publicly traded partnership eligibility offer potential wins for the company’s clean energy agenda.
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