Bipartisan Senate legislation pushes for modernized Carbon Capture Technology

A forum of supporters for a bill to encourage technological evolution over carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) met last week in Washington, D.C., to discuss the issue from corporate and federal angles.

On hand were four of the bill’s supporters in Congress: U.S. Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and John Barrasso (R-WY). Their bill has called for a mix of old and new technologies, leaning on the adoption of low-carbon technologies that reuse carbon pollution in more useful products, while also using CCUS technologies and processes to still make coal and natural gas viable. It would increase the window to claim credits for carbon capture projects from 10 to 12 years and increase the window to commence construction from 5 to 7 years.

“Capturing carbon and putting it to good use ought to be part of our strategy to fight climate change,” Whitehouse said. “That’s why I’ve joined a bipartisan group of Senators on legislation to help promising new carbon capture and utilization technologies gain a foothold in the market. Our bill would put a price on carbon pollution and pay facilities for every ton of emissions they keep out of the atmosphere. It would also clear a path for businesses in Rhode Island and around the country that turn carbon pollution into useful products.”

The goal is carbon emission reduction, without hitting any one industry too hard. Because of that, the bill has gained the support of an eclectic mix of coal companies, utilities and environmental groups alike. Companion legislation has been introduced the House as well.

“America has an opportunity to be a leader when it comes to developing and exporting carbon capture systems, and we need to seize it,” Capito said. “The FUTURE Act can help us drive economic growth—particularly in the manufacturing sector—and would mark an important step in preventing future emissions abroad.”