U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Chris Coons, along with Representatives Scott Peters and Paul D. Tonko, reintroduced the Carbon Dioxide Leadership Act on July 29 in Washington, D.C., aiming to address climate change by investing in carbon dioxide removal technologies.
Whitehouse said, “The fight against climate change will not succeed without carbon removal. Our bill would invest in promising carbon removal technologies and help put the planet on a pathway to climate safety.”
Coons said, “Investing in cutting-edge technology like carbon capture is key to growing our economy and protecting our nation and planet from climate change. This bipartisan, bicameral bill will ensure the United States is the global leader in carbon capture, protecting our communities and creating jobs.”
Tonko said, “We must use every tool at our disposal to tackle the climate crisis; that includes removing harmful legacy emissions from our atmosphere. Our bill takes needed action to address carbon dioxide emissions while also creating good-paying jobs, supporting innovation, and investing in a clean energy economy. I’m proud to join my colleagues in championing this smart, meaningful legislation.”
The Carbon Dioxide Leadership Act would require the Department of Energy to remove increasing amounts of carbon dioxide using direct air capture or other durable technology-based solutions. The bill also sets high standards for measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification of removals as well as public engagement; establishes a declining per-ton price ceiling for cost reduction incentives; creates set-asides for new technologies; and prioritizes domestic job creation alongside environmental justice initiatives.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee oversees federal programs related to environmental quality, natural resources, and infrastructure through subcommittees focused on areas such as clean air and transportation infrastructure, according to the official website.