U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) recently introduced a bipartisan bill to promote Americans’ ongoing use of natural gas.
“The United States is leading by example with cleaner burning natural gas, showing the world that families can have lower utility bills, a cleaner environment, and better jobs,” Sen. Cassidy said last week.
Sen. Cassidy on May 23 cosponsored the Launching Energy Advancement and Development through Innovations for Natural Gas (LEADING) Act, S. 1685, with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and cosponsor U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) to require the Secretary of Energy to establish a program for the research, development and demonstration of commercially viable technologies for the capture of carbon dioxide produced during the generation of natural gas-generated power, according to the congressional record.
“Transitioning to natural gas is lowering our carbon footprint and investing in innovative technology will increase these benefits,” said Sen. Cassidy. “Energy investment in Louisiana has created thousands of good-paying jobs across our state and unleashed U.S. energy dominance.”
If enacted, S. 1685 also would require the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a program to develop cost-effective carbon capture technologies for use by natural gas-generating power facilities.
Additionally, the measure would task the DOE with soliciting applications for demonstration projects and submitting a report to Congress that included policy recommendations, an applicant evaluation method, goals for technology development, estimated project costs, and timelines for project construction.
The bill is under consideration by the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.