A bipartisan group of senators introduced a bill on 11 April to increase federal funding toward developing carbon capture technology while also committing to fossil fuel use.
Introduced by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee ranking member Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), the bill is being hailed as an important step to addressing climate change while not necessarily phasing out fossil fuel use.
“The energy experts who have come before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources have been clear—fossil fuels are projected to be part of the generation mix through 2040, and likely beyond, and the United States needs to lead in technological innovations designed to reduce carbon emissions,” said Manchin in a statement.
“This is a critical piece of the solution addressing the climate crisis.”
In addition to Manchin, the Enhancing Fossil Fuel Energy Carbon Technology (EFFECT) Act is backed by Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Shelly Moore Capito (W.Va.), Kevin Cramer (N.D.) and Steve Daines (Mont.)
Carbon capture has long been an area where Republicans and Democrats have hinted there might be a potential for consensus on climate change.
While GOP senators have long resisted progressive efforts to transition the country away from fossil fuels, some have embraced the idea of carbon capture as an alternative.
Congress last year passed legislation to expand carbon sequestration tax credits to companies.