US Senate bill would boost carbon capture research

May 28, 2019
US Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) introduced legislation on May 23 that would require the US Department of Energy to establish a research, development, and demonstration program for carbon capture technologies at natural gas-fired power plants.

US Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) introduced legislation on May 23 that would require the US Department of Energy to establish a research, development, and demonstration program for carbon capture technologies at natural gas-fired power plants.

“The US leads the world in emissions reduction, but to build on that success, we need to incentivize innovation and partner with the private sector to create affordable solutions,” Cornyn said. “Instead of a one-size-fits-all mandate that would bankrupt our country, this bill encourages the continued use of natural gas so we can protect the environment and remain a global leader in energy innovation.”

The bill, S. 1675, aims to accelerate development and commercial application of natural gas carbon capture technologies and create a partnership with the private sector for demonstration projects.

The bill also would encourage DOE to include its National Energy Technology Laboratories, universities, and research facilities, including the National Carbon Capture Center. DOE would be required to solicit applications for demonstration projects and submit a report to Congress detailing legislative recommendations, applicant evaluation method, expected goals for technology development, estimations of project costs, and timelines for project construction.

S. 1675 was referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Contact Nick Snow at [email protected].