Senators Coons, Whitehouse introduce carbon dioxide removal bill

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Congressmen Scott Peters (D-Calif.) and Paul D. Tonko (D-N.Y.) introduced the Carbon Dioxide Leadership Act to curb climate change by investing in carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies.

"Investing in cutting-edge technology like carbon capture is key to growing our economy and protecting our nation and planet from climate change," said Senator Coons. "This bipartisan, bicameral bill will ensure the United States is the global leader in carbon capture, protecting our communities and creating jobs."

"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," said Senator Whitehouse.

"We must use every tool at our disposal to tackle the climate crisis; that includes removing harmful legacy emissions from our atmosphere," said Representative Tonko. "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 leverage federal procurement to create a market for carbon dioxide removal. Specifically, the bill would:

• Require the Department of Energy (DOE) to remove an increasing amount of carbon dioxide for each fiscal year
• Enforce the use of direct air capture or other durable technology-based removal solutions
• Ensure high standards for measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verifying carbon removals and for robust public engagement
• Set a declining per-ton price ceiling to incentivize cost reductions over time
• Provide flexibility for DOE to invest in nascent technologies with high potential
• Create a set-side for newer CDR technologies to promote a broad portfolio of technologies
• Prioritize domestic job creation, environmental justice, innovative technologies, and community benefits

Read the full text of the bill here.

Read a summary of the bill here.