Joyce sponsors bipartisan bill to increase state grants related to carbon capture and storage

U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) on Oct. 25 sponsored a bipartisan bill that would increase the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s authorized grant funding from $50 million to $100 million to help states pay for expenses related to establishing and operating underground injection control programs for the wells they use to sequester carbon dioxide (CO2). 

“This bipartisan bill is proof that we can reduce emissions and ensure Americans are good stewards of the environment without sacrificing jobs, hurting our economy, or destroying our energy independence,” Rep. Joyce said. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation and will always fight for policies that allow the United States to provide cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable energy here at home and abroad.”

Rep. Joyce introduced the State Efforts to Create Underground Regulatory Efficiency (SECURE) Act, H.R. 9230, with original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA) to support state-led efforts to mitigate climate change by expanding carbon capture and storage, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Joyce’s office. 

Also known as geologic sequestration, the process includes capturing CO2 at emissions sources or directly or indirectly from the atmosphere, then transporting it and storing it safely in deep, underground locations known as Class VI wells, the summary says, noting that such wells have been recognized as a way to curb climate change by sequestering greenhouse gas emissions from industrial sites. 

If enacted, H.R. 9230 specifically would help states defray their expenses for an underground injection control program for permitting Class VI wells used for the injection of CO2, according to the congressional record bill summary.

“Carbon capture and storage is a critical tool in our global fight against climate change, and America should be a leader in this industry,” said Rep. Carter. “I am proud to work on a bipartisan basis to support state-led efforts in Louisiana and around the country to sequester greenhouse gasses through carbon capture and storage while creating good-paying jobs right in our communities.”

Endorsed by ClearPath Action, H.R. 9230 has been referred to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration.