Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, who chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, led a hearing focused on advancing carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) technologies. The session also examined the implementation of the Utilizing Significant Emissions with Innovative Technologies Act (USE IT Act), which became law in December 2020.

Chairman Capito emphasized bipartisan support for CCUS technology and stressed the need to accelerate the implementation of the USE IT Act. She highlighted the importance of timely project approvals and Class VI well primacy for states to ensure a reliable electric grid.

In her opening statement, Chairman Capito expressed enthusiasm about continuing bipartisan efforts on this issue with Ranking Member Whitehouse and other committee members. She noted that "innovative CCUS technologies will play a critical role in reducing emissions," particularly for facilities facing unique challenges due to size, location, or industrial application.

Capito mentioned ongoing CCUS projects in West Virginia, including efforts by West Virginia University and the Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory. She also pointed out West Virginia's involvement in the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2).

The chairman criticized delays in implementing aspects of the USE IT Act. Although required reports and guidance were released by 2022, they did not provide a clear pathway for expediting project permits. Additionally, federal task forces meant to address permitting challenges were established much later than mandated.

Capito highlighted Congress's bipartisan efforts to expedite carbon capture projects through funding provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Despite this support, she expressed concern over slow progress under the Biden administration regarding Class VI well approvals and state primacy grants.

She concluded by discussing potential electric reliability concerns due to increased energy consumption and fossil fuel generation retirements. Capito stated that "the deployment of CCUS can be a tool" to maintain reliable electric generation capacity while benefiting both the environment and economy.