Representative Marc Veasey Leads Reintroduction of Bipartisan Energy Research Legislation

Statement

Last week, Representative Marc Veasey (TX-33), spearheaded the introduction of the Fossil Energy Research and Development Act of 2019 (H.R. 3607) with Representatives David Schweikert (AZ-06), Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) and Conor Lamb (PA-17). The bill continues to reauthorize research activities in the Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy and set priorities for the next generation of clean energy technologies that will help the energy industry continue to flourish in our country. Today, the bill passed through the Committee on Science, Space, & Technology's Subcommittee on Energy and is expected to be considered soon by the full committee.

"Today, the House of Representatives came one step closer to passing this updated legislation that will continue to clean our environment while growing our economy," said Representative Veasey. "I am proud of the impact this legislation will have on continuing to reduce emissions across our country and the world."

"We are seeing a revolution in technology being developed that helps the United States remain a leader in keeping our environment clean at an affordable cost," said Representative Schweikert. "I am pleased to see this bi-partisan legislation be re-introduced as it makes a great step forward in providing funding for carbon capture research, methane leak mitigation, and other pro-growth climate technology."

"We are in a moment of transformation in this nation. Both Democrats and Republicans recognize the importance of prioritizing a clean energy future for America," said Representative Johnson. "We know how important it is to invest in research to address the environmental impacts of fossil fuels, and the Fossil Energy Research and Development Act of 2019 does exactly that. This bill establishes a strong foundation for our nation's research priorities in this critical area."

"In Texas, we believe in an all-of-the-above approach to energy that fosters innovation and reduces both costs and carbon emissions," said Representative Fletcher. "To meaningfully reduce emissions and keep energy affordable, we must invest in research and development of innovative technologies, like carbon capture, utilization, storage (CCUS), and direct air capture. Department of Energy investment in these technologies has already led to successful implementation in the Houston area, but we need to invest more to make these technologies commercially viable and widely used. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Fossil Energy Research and Development Act of 2019, which is a critical part of a comprehensive approach to our energy future."

"Fossil research has already helped us create jobs and fight climate change. Much of this research has been done in Pittsburgh, and it must continue," said Representative Lamb, Chair of the Energy Subcommittee for the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

The reintroduced legislation is the most robust, comprehensive reauthorization of DOE's Fossil Energy Office in more than a decade. The bill focuses the office's work on carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration, carbon dioxide removal, improvements in efficiency, and methane leak detection.

The bill is endorsed by several important stakeholders, including representatives of industry, academia, labor, and environmental organizations:

Bipartisan Policy Center
Carbon Capture Coalition
Carbon180
Carbon Utilization Research Council
ClearPath
Environmental Defense Fund
Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc

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