WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced new actions to enhance American leadership on clean manufacturing. Built on policies fought for by Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52) and other climate leaders in Congress, the historic measures will create good-paying jobs, revitalize local economies, lower prices for consumers, and boost the United States’ competitiveness in global markets. On top of these benefits, the actions will help put the U.S. on a pathway to reducing climate pollution in the industrial sector, which is notoriously hard to clean up. 

“To compete globally and avoid the most catastrophic consequences of the climate crisis, we must guide America’s industries and economy towards a more sustainable future,” said Rep. Peters. “We know that fighting climate change requires investment in innovative technologies and promulgation of trade policies aimed at cleaning up industrial practices that have long been at odds with a healthy climate. The actions announced today are a win for the planet and will deliver benefits to American factories and workers across the country.”

As part of the Administration’s announcement, the Council on Environmental Quality issued guidance to implement Rep. Peters’ Utilizing Significant Emissions with Innovative Technologies (USEIT) Act. The USEIT Act became law through a 2020 funding package to incentivize the research and development of carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) technologies. The new guidance provides federal agencies with a framework for helping guide CCUS deployment in a manner that is environmentally sound and cuts cumulative pollution in nearby communities – furthering climate action and environmental justice. CCUS technologies remove and store carbon pollution already released into the atmosphere. Research by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and International Energy Agency shows these technologies will be essential to combat the climate crisis.

The Administration’s carbon-based trade policies to reward American manufacturers of clean steel and aluminum coincides with Rep. Peters’ work in Congress to create a more climate-smart trade regime. In addition to the FAIR Transition and Competition Act, unveiled in July 2021 to establish a border carbon adjustment on polluting imports, Rep. Peters has spoken and participated in several national and international-level conversations about the importance of greening trade to further global climate solutions.

Today, the Administration made other key announcements, including utilizing Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to promote the use of low-carbon materials in construction projects and launch major clean hydrogen initiatives, including $8 billion for Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs. Specifically critical to San Diego, hydrogen hubs could further cost-effective hydrogen-based technologies, such as heavy-duty hydrogen trucks, to help reduce emissions at ports and border entry points in Southern California.