Reps. Scott Peters, Matt Salmon Intro Carbon Capture Utilization Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressmen Scott Peters (CA-52) and Matt Salmon (AZ-05), bipartisan co-chairs of the Congressional Algae Caucus, introduced the “Carbon Capture Research and Development Act.” The bill would help speed the development and deployment of new technologies that can convert captured CO2 to fuels, chemicals, and other products by adding “conversion, use, and storage of carbon dioxide” to the Fossil Energy Office’s list of research areas.

“More research across the Department of Energy on innovative carbon capture technologies will allow the United States to continue its leadership in this field,” said Congressman Peters. “It will also signal to private sector companies and investors that carbon capture utilization is worth investing in and promoting. We can reduce emissions and create private sector, free-market jobs in tandem through this process.”

“Americans can easily find ways to utilize the byproducts of our modern society if given the opportunity,” Congressman Salmon said. “The Carbon Capture Research and Development Act is a step in that direction, instructing the Department of Energy to explore new ways to allow industry to utilize carbon dioxide while creating a stronger and more prosperous economy for our nation.”

Carbon capture technology, including algae, turns carbon emissions into products that can be used for food, fuel, and consumer products.

“I am very thankful for the leadership of Representatives Salmon and Peters in helping to establish an algae biotechnology industry, and in promoting smart science and jobs creation,” said Dr. Stephen Mayfield, Director of the California Center for Algae Biotechnology and Director of Food and Fuel for the 21st Century, both at the University of California San Diego. “I look forward to working with them to keep the industry growing.”

###