Lawmakers visit National Carbon Capture Center

Two lawmakers recently visited the Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Carbon Capture Center (NCCC) in Wilsonville, Alabama, to observe how technology can reduce natural gas and coal power plants emissions.

Sens. Doug Jones (D-AL) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced the Enhancing Fossil Fuel Energy Carbon Technology Act earlier this year to expand the DOE’s fossil energy research and development (R&D) objectives.

“The National Carbon Capture Center is focused on finding breakthroughs in next-generation carbon capture technologies that will reduce overall global carbon emissions,” Jones said. “It’s a great example of how the Alabama business community is helping to move the green economy forward.”

Manchin, ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said experts have made it clear that fossil fuels are projected to be part of the nation’s energy portfolio through 2040.

“Focusing on carbon capture technologies is one of the most critical technologies we can invest in,” Manchin said. “I’m working to ensure the Department of Energy can continue to advance these technologies to commercialization, because they benefit the environment while also allowing us to maintain affordable and reliable electricity in the U.S. and lead globally.”

The endeavor establishes new research and development programs for carbon capture, utilization, storage and removal.