The scale of the climate crisis demands that we use all available tools to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as fast as possible. The United States should prioritize a transition to clean energy while encouraging CCUS and DAC to remove excess past emissions, reduce emissions from hard-to-abate sectors, and support the developing world’s efforts to decarbonize. These measures must achieve clear climate benefits and be part of an overall strategy to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions.
Apply a technology-neutral approach to portfolio standards e.g. allow emitting generators with CCUS to qualify under a clean energy standard and fuels from DAC to qualify under a low-carbon fuel standard.
Invest in CCUS innovation and commercialization by expanding RDD&D support, especially for large-scale demonstration projects.
Invest in RDD&D for carbon removal technologies through a coordinated federal strategy, prioritizing research in DAC, bioenergy with CCS, and carbon mineralization.
Create markets for the reuse of captured carbon in building materials and fuels through federal procurement requirements.
Incentivize CCUS and DAC deployment by modernizing and extending the 45Q tax credit for projects that provide clear climate benefits and expanding the eligibility of master limited partnerships and private activity bonds.
Expand large-scale carbon storage capabilities through demonstration and commercialization projects and increased public engagement.
Ensure robust regulatory oversight of subsurface carbon storage by increasing funding for permitting geologic storage and enforcing strong reporting and disclosure requirements.