Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) applauded the Farm Bill, which passed the House yesterday and invests in San Diego clean energy priorities including algae innovation and carbon capture technology.

The bill included language from Rep. Peters’ Algae Agriculture Act, which makes algae eligible for the same investment opportunities as other agricultural products. Specifically, it directs USDA to include algae in its BioPreferred Program, which certifies and creates federal mandatory purchasing requirements for products made from algae, plants, forestry, agricultural, and marine materials. In addition, the Farm Bill provides technical assistance to accelerate research and investment for carbon capture technology, which uses algae to convert carbon dioxide and methane into electricity, heat, or fuel. The language mirrors Rep. Peters’ Carbon Utilization Act, a bipartisan bill he introduced earlier this year.

“The investments made in algae and carbon capture technology today boost research and technology advancements happening in San Diego. Researchers at UC San Diego and Scripps Institution of Oceanography are leading advancements that deploy algae for carbon capture, sustainable manufacturing, and even therapeutic drugs. Now, scientists have even more opportunities to drive their discoveries.  

“Traditionally, the Farm Bill passes with broad bipartisan support and demonstrates that Congress can come together on issues that benefit Americans across the country. As a co-chair of the Congressional Algae Caucus, I advocated for algae research and innovation to support San Diego’s economy. This bill rightfully provides a vision for our future clean energy production,” said Rep. Peters.

The Farm Bill also maintains current SNAP benefit funding levels, expands funding for food banks, and maintains conservation funding at current levels.