Senators introduce bill to support carbon capture research and development

U.S. Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) recently introduced legislation to promote carbon utilization and direct air capture research and development.

The Utilizing Significant Emissions with Innovative Technologies (USE IT) Act would also support federal, state and non-governmental collaboration in the development and construction of carbon capture, utilization and sequestration (CCUS) facilities and carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines.

“Wyoming is blessed with an abundance of coal, natural gas, and oil resources that fuel the state’s economy and provide Americans with affordable and reliable power,” Barrasso, chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), said. “The bipartisan USE IT Act will promote the long-term use of these critical natural resources and keep America on the path to energy dominance. My legislation will make Washington a helpful partner to efforts taking place in Wyoming to develop carbon capture technologies, convert carbon into a useful product, and reduce emissions.”

The legislation would direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use its existing authority to support carbon utilization and direct air capture research, clarify that CCUS projects and CO2 pipelines are eligible for the permitting review process established by the FAST Act, direct the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to establish guidance to assist project developers and operators of CCUS facilities and CO2 pipelines and establish task forces to gather input from affected stakeholders for updating and improving guidance over time.

Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) cosponsored the legislation.