STATEMENT: New Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Could Spur Carbon Capture, an Indispensable Climate Tool
Today the U.S. House of Representatives introduced the Storing CO2 and Lowering Emissions (SCALE) Act. By advancing use, transport, and storage programs for captured CO2, the SCALE Act would substantially reduce obstacles to develop CO2 infrastructure. It would establish a testing center for utilizing captured CO2 in materials, fuels, chemicals, and other products to catalyze the market for low-carbon products and authorize federal funds to state and local governments for low-carbon product procurement. Additionally, it would provide financing for CO2 transport infrastructure and geological storage projects, and it would increase federal and state funding for CO2 storage permitting. In addition to rapid emissions reductions and deep decarbonization, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) will play a key role in a suite of climate action solutions.
Following is a statement from Christina DeConcini, Director of Government Affairs, World Resources Institute:
“The SCALE Act is emblematic of the kind of bipartisan legislation the U.S. needs to build modern, climate-focused infrastructure. The bill acts on unequivocal conclusions by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that carbon capture is an essential tool in our toolbox to reduce emissions and achieve our climate goals.
Members of Congress in both parties recognize the importance of investing in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) and the significant job opportunities from pursuing a just transition to a net-zero future. Studies show that even partial deployment of the carbon capture and storage plants required to meet our climate goals could create over 61,000 American jobs through 2035. The SCALE Act helps climate change solutions like CCUS bridge the aisle while supporting workers across the country.”