Bill to benefit ALS patients signed into law

Statement from Senator Coons on the passing of former Delaware Gov. Dale Wolf

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement on the passing of former Delaware Gov. Dale E. Wolf.

“Gov. Dale Wolf was a dedicated public servant and member of our Greatest Generation, who selflessly served his country in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Many remember Dale for his leadership, advocacy, and commitment to charitable organizations in the First State. Delaware will long treasure Dale’s dedication to duty and his many accomplishments, and he’ll be sorely missed by his family, friends, neighbors, and fellow veterans.”

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Sens. Coons, Rubio lead bipartisan group condemning China’s human rights abuses against Uyghurs

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Mitt Romney (R-Utah) introduced a resolution condemning the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for its treatment of the Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang and calling for an international investigation into the abuses and crimes committed there.

“Whether on behalf of individuals like Ekpar Asat – a Uyghur journalist and entrepreneur who has been unjustly detained since 2016 – or entire groups who are victims of forced labor or monitored by mass surveillance systems, we must speak out against the abuses taking place in Xinjiang,” said Senator Coons. “We’re calling on the United States and our allies and partners to ensure a credible investigation into crimes committed by the PRC government in Xinjiang. We should cooperate with the PRC when possible, but we cannot turn a blind eye to the government’s blatant disregard for the human rights of its own citizens.”

“I’m proud to join Senator Coons in introducing this bipartisan resolution condemning the egregious human rights violations, including genocide and crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang,” said Senator Rubio. “The Trump administration was right to issue a genocide determination and the time is now for the Biden administration to take meaningful action and lead our allies and partners to put an end to these abusers and bring forth accountability and justice for the perpetrators.” 

“We must speak in one voice against China’s campaign to deprive its Uyghur and other Central Asian and religious minorities of their fundamental rights,” said Senator Markey, Chair of the East Asia Subcommittee. “While President Trump’s pursuit of a trade deal with China reportedly took precedent over his concern for atrocities committed by Beijing, I know that the Biden administration will use every economic and diplomatic tool at its disposal to hold perpetrators to account for their crimes – and rally the world to take similar action. Beijing’s attempts to erase the identity of an entire group, in the 21st Century, will not succeed.”

“The Chinese Communist Party continues to pursue repressive and cruel dictatorial rule against people in China, including engaging in genocide and crimes against humanity with respect to Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities in Xinjiang,” said Senator Hagerty. “I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce this bipartisan resolution strongly condemning the CCP-controlled Chinese government for these barbaric actions and demanding an investigation.”

“For years, the Chinese government has waged a horrific campaign to forcibly assimilate Uyghur Muslims and eliminate their cultural and religious practices,” said Senator Kaine.“Congress must continue to call out the ongoing abuses in Xinjiang and pressure China about its devastating treatment of other religious and ethnic minorities as well.”

“The Chinese Communist Party is exacting genocide against the Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region,” said Senator Romney, Ranking Member of the East Asia Subcommittee. “With this resolution, we condemn the CCP’s treatment of the Uyghur people and call for an investigation into the crimes and abuses committed against them.”

“This resolution lends critical support to a simple proposition: that no government, including one as powerful as China’s, should expect impunity when it commits serious human rights violations,” said Sophie Richardson, China Director at Human Rights Watch.

Full text of the resolution is available here.

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Senator Coons’ statement on the shooting in Boulder

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement on the shooting yesterday in Boulder, Colorado that left 10 people dead, including a police officer.

“My heart breaks for the families of those senselessly killed yesterday in Boulder, including Officer Eric Talley who courageously put himself in harm’s way to save others. Too many across this country have been impacted by gun violence. We must do more to prevent these tragedies.

“The Senate Judiciary Committee is holding a hearing today to consider commonsense steps to reduce gun violence—actions we can take right now, like strengthening background checks and passing my bipartisan bill to notify law enforcement of any effort by someone prohibited from getting a gun – like a convicted felon – who tries to buy one. 

“Congress should act now to save lives and keep our communities safe. We cannot accept mass shootings as a cost of living in the United States.”

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Senator Coons updates information and resource page on American Rescue Plan Act

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee, updated his official website with new information, available resources for small businesses, and answers to frequently asked questions from Delawareans about the American Rescue Plan Act.

The American Rescue Plan Act includes $1.9 trillion in federal funding, which provides a direct allocation of federal assistance of about $1.36 billion to Delaware and its municipalities. It features $1,400 direct checks to most Delawarean adults and children, vaccine distribution, funding for schools, an extension of expanded unemployment benefits through the summer, and grants for restaurants and other hard-hit small businesses.

For information about the American Rescue Plan Act, available resources for small business, and FAQ page, go here.

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Sens. Coons, Durbin announce legislation to expand federal R&D, extend tech economy to more cities across America

WASHINGTON — This week, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), both members of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Senate Competitiveness Caucus, reintroduced the Innovation Centers Acceleration Act, a bill which would expand research and development (R&D), targeted to reach a broader portion of the country. The legislation would complement a nationwide effort to compete with China economically by placing renewed emphasis on sectors key to economic resiliency and productivity, including biomedical technology, advanced manufacturing, and more.

The legislation responds to the current trend of underinvestment in national innovation. Notably, U.S. federal investment in R&D is at its lowest level since 1955, harming both productivity and global competitiveness. For the very first time, the United States is projected to fall behind China in R&D investment this year. Additionally, innovation is currently over-concentrated, which limits potential for advancement.  Five American metropolitan areas – Boston, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, and San Diego ­– accounted for more than 90% of the nation’s innovation sector growth from 2005 to 2017. Meanwhile, half of U.S. metropolitan areas have lost innovation jobs since 2005. These regions are losing out on productivity growth that helps to create jobs and raise living standards.

“As we work to rebuild the U.S. from COVID-19 and secure our position as a global economic leader, we have to strengthen American resiliency in key economic sectors and guide a recovery that is shared broadly across all regions and socioeconomic groups,” said Senator Coons. “The Innovation Centers Acceleration Act will not only fund new R&D so that we stay ahead of China and strategic competitors, but it will also ensure that growth does not concentrate in a handful of large cities. We must give new regions and diverse populations a chance to equitably share in the growth of the global economy.”

“Reimagining how we invest in economic development and innovation in American cities can help us compete with countries like China on the world stage,” said Senator Durbin.“The Innovation Centers Acceleration Act would boost federal investment in fields like advanced manufacturing and biomedical technology to accomplish that goal and create jobs of the future.”

In the House of Representatives, the Innovation Centers Acceleration Act is led by U.S. Representatives Joseph Morelle (D-N.Y.) and Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), both members of the New Democrat Coalition, which has included the bill among its economic stimulus priorities for the Biden Administration.

“COVID-19 has posed an unprecedented challenge to our nation, and so it must be met with unprecedented action, investment, and ingenuity. We need bold solutions to jump-start our economy and get Americans back to work, and my legislation would do just that,” said Representative Morelle. “Not only is this a sector in which Monroe County is uniquely poised to lead thanks to our world-class universities and high-tech institutions, it is one that holds significant untapped potential across the country. I’m so proud of the growing support the Innovation Centers Acceleration Act continues to receive I look forward to working with my partners toward its swift passage.”

“The Innovation Centers Acceleration Act takes a crucial step to establish the United States as a global leader in industries that will shape the 21st century. We have faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Representative Sewell.“As we work to rebuild our economy, we must tap the talent and potential of cities like Birmingham and unleash innovation in growing sectors like advanced manufacturing and biomedical technology. The Innovation Centers Acceleration Act will make critical investments in communities across the country and expand our ability to compete in these critical industries.”

The Innovation Centers Acceleration Act would respond to the economic slowdown and the inefficient landscape of American innovation by:

• Launching a national competition for U.S. metropolitan areas to become an Innovation Center;
• Encouraging metropolitan areas to unite public and private sector resources to apply to become an Innovation Center based on existing technical advantages, local research institutions, and industry core competencies;
• Incentivizing potential Innovation Centers to consider racial equity and inclusive growth, to ensure affordable housing, and to scale up education and workforce development; and
• Investing $80 billion in federal funds over nine years in selected Innovation Centers while supporting private sector-led growth.

Organizations to endorse the bill include the National League of Cities, the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF), the American Chemical Society, the Association of American Colleges & Universities, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and the University City Science Center.

“Advanced technology jobs play a key role in American competitiveness and economic opportunity. But too many are concentrated in too few places,” said Rob Atkinson, President of Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF).“The Innovation Centers Acceleration Act would play an important and needed role in helping spread the advanced tech economy to more places in America, not only helping more places and people gain needed opportunity, but also spurring overall U.S. global competitiveness.”

“The Association of American Colleges and Universities is pleased to endorse theInnovation Centers Acceleration Act of 2020, which would provide an urgently needed spur to innovation that is calibrated to meet the equally urgent need for equitable economic growth in the post-pandemic recovery,” said David Tritelli, Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs at the Association of American Colleges and Universities.

“The American Chemical Society (ACS) is encouraged to see the introduction of theInnovation Centers Acceleration Act of 2020, which would support the research and development that drives our economy. Investment in graduate student research opportunities, R&D tax credit and small business support, workforce development and STEM apprenticeships are all key components of a thriving and diverse innovation pipeline,” said Glenn Ruskin, Vice President of External Affairs & Communications at the American Chemical Society. “The ACS applauds the leadership of Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and looks forward to building a broad coalition of support behind this legislation.”

A one-pager on the bill is available here. Bill text can be found here. 

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Senator Coons leads bipartisan push to incentivize charitable giving amid COVID-19

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) led senate colleagues this month in introducing the bipartisan Universal Giving Pandemic Response and Recovery Act to expand and extend the current deduction for charitable giving.

The senate bill would ensure that Delawareans who donate to charities, houses of worship, religious organizations, and other nonprofits are able to deduct that donation from their federal taxes at a higher level than the current $300 deduction. In the COVID-19 relief package passed in December 2020, an extension of the $300 charitable deduction was included for 2021. 

Specifically, the bill would make available to taxpayers who do not itemize on their tax returns—for tax years 2021 and 2022—a below-the-line deduction for charitable giving on federal income taxes valued at up to one-third of the standard deduction (around $4,000 for an individual filer and $8,000 for married joint filers). 

“Seeing the need in their communities, the American people have stepped up by giving to food banks, community groups, and other nonprofits,” Sen. Coons said. “People of all means want to be part of the solutions in their community—solutions often driven by charities and houses of worship—but our tax code ignores the giving of most Americans. If more Americans were acknowledged for and supported in their donations, there would be more giving, period. Our bill, the Universal Giving Pandemic Response and Recovery Act, would substantially increase the emergency charitable giving incentive to adequately reflect the magnitude of goodwill that so many are showing.”

“In the last year, we have seen the powerful impact that nonprofits and houses of worship have on our communities and how they continue to help our neighbors in the toughest times. They are the local safety net when families need an extra hand,” Sen. Lankford said. “In a world that has changed significantly in the last year, we have seen more than ever the need to encourage giving to local nonprofits and houses of worship to support their selfless service to those in need.”

“Every day we see the value and benefit of nonprofit work in lifting up people and helping our communities,” said Sheila Bravo, President & CEO of the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement. “We support the Universal Giving Pandemic Response and Recovery Act, as this bill provides an important reminder and incentive for Americans to give generously. We thank Senator Coons and his colleagues for their leadership and their ongoing efforts to champion nonprofits who step in to provide relief and support community needs in many different ways.”

“We are grateful for the generous hearts that have stepped up to help Easterseals and other nonprofits survive the last year, but the reality is it will take the nonprofit sector years to recover from the pandemic,” said Ken Sklenar, president/CEO of Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore. “Easterseals wholeheartedly endorses Senator Coons’ legislation to incentivize charitable giving. It shows that he understands that all gifts, large or small, are appreciated, and all donors should be rewarded for their giving.”

“From the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, through today, thousands of Delawareans have been digging deep and reaching out to help one another. I am certain that this outpouring of support has saved lives across our state,” said Michelle Taylor, president and CEO of the United Way of Delaware. “The Universal Giving Pandemic Response Act will foster the charitable giving that fuels this ongoing work. I cannot imagine a more effective way for government to encourage charitable giving, and I join with my colleagues across the nonprofit community in urging Congress to act quickly to pass this legislation.”

“Nonprofit organizations across the country are struggling to help their clients rebuild their lives. The Universal Giving Pandemic Response and Recovery Act, and a resulting increase in donations, would greatly help nonprofits meet the increased demand for their services and pay for unbudgeted operational expenses they continue to incur,” said Basha Silverman, CEO of Jewish Family Services of Delaware. “This bill would encourage philanthropy at a time in history that it is most needed. Thank you, Senators Coons and Lankford, for recognizing the challenges nonprofits are facing as they continue to lift up our communities.”

The Universal Giving Pandemic Response and Recovery Act was introduced in the Senate on March 9 by Senators Coons and Lankford. It is cosponsored by Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-N.V.).

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Sens. Coons, Rubio, Hassan, Cornyn lead bipartisan bill to bolster U.S. supply chain preparedness and response

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) introduced the National Manufacturing Guard Act of 2021, bipartisan legislation to invest $1 billion over five years in the ability of the U.S. government to mitigate future supply chain emergencies. The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas).

“In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw states, local governments, and businesses competing for scarce resources – like N95 masks and other personal protective equipment – especially those with supply chains controlled by the government of China,” Senator Coons said. “We must be prepared for future supply chain disruptions with a coordinated, strategic approach for collaborating with the private sector. This bipartisan bill would establish those capabilities and ensure that American supply chains are more resilient to future threats.”

“The pandemic made it impossible to ignore the vulnerability of America’s supply chains and the structural deficiencies underlying our productive capacity,” Senator Rubio said.“We cannot afford to be caught off guard again. Congress must take action to address our nation’s critical manufacturing and supply chain-related shortcomings, particularly in sectors dominated by China. This legislation would both strengthen our response to supply chain crises and provide dignified work by training and maintaining a ready force of engineers, mechanics, and logistics experts at American companies and in government.”

“The pandemic has tested our domestic manufacturing capabilities and revealed that our supply chains are not up to producing all of the products that our country needs in an emergency,” Senator Hassan said. “This bipartisan legislation would identify and evaluate supply chain and manufacturing vulnerabilities, and establish a National Manufacturing Guard to help strengthen U.S. supply chains, which in turn will help reduce our reliance on China for critical supplies and better prepare our country for future public health emergencies.”

“The coronavirus pandemic has shone a spotlight on the vulnerabilities within our supply chains for everyday goods, lifesaving drugs, and medical equipment,” Senator Cornyn said. “This legislation would ensure we have the resources and infrastructure in place ahead of a future public health emergency.”

The National Manufacturing Guard Act of 2021 establishes an Office of Supply Chain Preparedness in the Department of Commerce that would be responsible for preparing for future crises that would threaten our ability to produce or obtain critical resources, such as personal protective equipment (PPE). The Office is equipped with the National Manufacturing Guard, a reserve force of manufacturing and supply chain experts. Members of the National Manufacturing Guard will train to increase the supply of critical resources in an emergency scenario, and can be activated to full-time service in a future emergency. The bill would also establish a Supply Chain Data Exchange, to enable the Department of Commerce to partner with private industry to gain insight into supply chain vulnerabilities, and a Manufacturing Corps, an apprenticeship program to bolster the manufacturing workforce with a particular focus on underrepresented groups.

The Office of Supply Chain Preparedness will be supported by a Supply Chain Advisory Council with representation from relevant government agencies, state and local governments, labor organizations, experts from industry and academia, the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Centers, and the Manufacturing USA Institutes, groups who were all instrumental in managing the supply chain response to COVID-19. With input from these stakeholders, the Office will coordinate a collaborative all-of-America response towards our next crisis.

The text of the bill is available here and a one-page summary is available here. 

This legislation is endorsed by the American Small Manufacturers Coalition, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, the National Defense Industrial Association, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems International, and the Bipartisan Policy Center.

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Coons, Rubio lead senators in urging Blinken to protect Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.)  led a bipartisan group of senators in sending a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to ensure our nation is taking all measures to assist Uyghurs and other Turkic or Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, including by designating these Uyghurs and other targeted individuals with Priority Two (P-2) refugee status and encouraging countries that are hosting Uyghurs to provide protection. 

Joining Rubio and Coons in sending this bipartisan letter were Senators Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jim Moran (R-Kan.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Brian Schatz (D-Mich.).

“We now urge you to consider what further actions the United States might take following the determination of genocide,” the senators wrote. “History will judge the United States and the free world by how we respond to the crisis in Xinjiang. We must use all available tools to end the abuses against Uyghurs, ensure justice and accountability for those responsible, and provide protection for those in need,” the senators continued. “We stand ready to assist you on this matter, which is both in the interest of our national security and the morally right thing to do.”

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretary Blinken:

We write with concern about the plight of Uyghurs living in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and other Turkic or Muslim minorities living in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of the PRC, who have been, and continue to be, subjected to horrific atrocities at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). We respectfully urge you to ensure the United States is taking all available measures to assist these persecuted people.

On January 19, 2021, then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a long overdue formal determination that the CCP was committing genocide and crimes against humanity against predominantly Muslim Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minority groups in the XUAR. We were pleased that you agreed with this determination, and during your confirmation hearing before the Senate stated, “[f]orcing men, women, and children into concentration camps, trying to in effect reeducate them to be adherents to the Chinese Communist Party – all of that speaks to an effort to commit genocide.”

We now urge you to consider what further actions the United States might take following the determination of genocide. One important step would be to assist those Uyghurs who have managed to flee the PRC. Uyghurs are stranded around the world, in places where they are vulnerable to refoulement, particularly when their travel documents expire. For example, the PRC is pursuing an extradition treaty with Turkey, which they intend to use to target Uyghurs under the flimsy pretense of combatting terrorism. Beijing ratified the treaty in December, and it now awaits ratification in Ankara. Uyghurs have a well-founded fear of persecution if they are forced to return to the PRC.

We recommend three courses of action. First, the State Department should fully utilize the refugee admissions program. It is our understanding from the State Department’s Report to Congress on the Proposed Emergency Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2021 that Turkic Muslims are under consideration for Priority Two (P-2) status. We encourage you to grant P-2 status to Uyghurs, as well as to other Turkic or Muslim minorities living in the XUAR, which will enable them to bypass referral from other entities, such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, an embassy, or a nongovernmental organization, to apply directly to the United States for resettlement, regardless of where they currently live. Second, we urge you to coordinate with allies and partners, including Australia, Canada, and European countries, to provide Uyghurs and members of other minority groups with safe haven and engage diplomatically to ensure their protection. Third, we urge that you engage countries that are already hosting a significant number of Uyghurs and members of the other minority groups, including Turkey, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and Kazakhstan, and encourage them to protect these individuals. These countries, in particular, face significant pressure from Beijing to deport Uyghurs to the PRC and may have deported Uyghurs in the past.

History will judge the United States and the free world by how we respond to the crisis in Xinjiang. We must use all available tools to end the abuses against Uyghurs, ensure justice and accountability for those responsible, and provide protection for those in need. We appreciate that you have already raised the plight of the Uyghurs and other human rights concerns in your first call with top Chinese diplomat, Yang Jiechi, and urge you to continue doing so. We stand ready to assist you on this matter, which is both in the interest of our national security and the morally right thing to do.

Thank you for your attention and we look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely, 

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Bipartisan group introduces nation’s first comprehensive CO2 infrastructure bill

WASHINGTON – Infrastructure to support carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology remains underdeveloped in the United States, leaving the country behind in the adoption of a crucial tool in the fight against climate change. To address this issue, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) and U.S. Representatives Marc Veasey (D-Texas) and David McKinley (R-W.Va.) today introduced the Storing CO2 And Lowering Emissions (SCALE) Act. The landmark bill will help develop CCS infrastructure as a critical means of reducing emissions of CO2 – or carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas – while creating regional economic opportunities and jobs.

The SCALE Act is the first comprehensive CO2 infrastructure package to be introduced in Congress. The bill would support the buildout of infrastructure to transport CO2 from the sites of capture to locations where it can be either utilized in manufacturing or sequestered safely and securely underground. Carbon capture will play a critical role in reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, and the availability of CO2 transport infrastructure is necessary to drive investments in carbon capture technologies.

The legislation would also provide critical regional economic opportunities and create thousands of jobs. An analysis released as part of the Decarb America Project shows that the provisions in the SCALE Act could create approximately 13,000 direct and indirect jobs per year through the 5-year authorization. This figure does not include the additional thousands of jobs created by retrofitting energy-intensive facilities such as cement and steel plants or by building direct air capture (DAC) plants.

“Carbon capture, utilization, and storage will play a critical role in meeting mid-century climate goals, supporting high-paying manufacturing jobs, and maintaining American competitiveness, but cost barriers currently stand in the way of its widespread deployment in the United States,” said Senator Coons, co-chair of the Senate Climate Solutions Caucus. “I’m working to advance the SCALE Act to build this crucial infrastructure that will help reduce industrial emissions and create thousands of high-wage jobs. Now is the time to invest in carbon capture, a promising technology with broad support.”

“If the world wants less carbon in the atmosphere while preserving jobs, the answer is sequestering carbon,” said Dr. Cassidy. “There is no better place in the world than Louisiana to sequester carbon. This bill supports that vision of lower carbon and creates jobs in Louisiana.”

“Carbon Capture and the associated infrastructure is essential for the United States to reach net-zero emissions by mid-century,” said Representative Veasey. “If we successfully deploy CO2 transport and storage infrastructure, we can help certain industrial sectors of our economy dramatically reduce their emissions while creating thousands of good jobs.”

“Building out midstream and downstream infrastructure is a key component of supporting the deployment of carbon capture technologies,” said Representative McKinley. “For carbon capture to work, we need to be able to transport it to geologic storage or customers who can use it. Through additional investments proposed in this bill, the U.S. can take significant steps towards reducing its carbon emissions by developing a program that will support the construction of CO2 pipelines across the country and create countless jobs.” 

“Advancing legislation that enables wide-scale deployment of CCUS technologies must continue to be a priority,” said U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. “The SCALE Act does just that by complementing and building on the nearly $6 billion for CCUS research, development, deployment, and commercialization I secured in the Energy Act of 2020. This bill will enhance the entire CCUS value chain by incentivizing the buildout of CO2 pipeline and storage infrastructure, providing a critical link for CO2 sequestration and end-use markets. Measures like these will push our clean energy objectives forward while supporting thousands of clean energy, infrastructure and manufacturing jobs across the country, including in traditional energy producing communities like those in West Virginia.”

How the SCALE Act supports carbon capture: Interconnected CO2 transport systems that collect CO2 from capture sources and deliver it to shared CO2 storage sites are the key backbone infrastructure needed for widespread carbon capture deployment at the necessary scale to achieve economy-wide emissions reductions. Yet, deployment of CO2 infrastructure faces critical cost barriers that require federal support to overcome. Many countries and regions, including the European Union, the UK, Norway, Australia, and Canada, have already committed billions to construct CO2 transport and storage infrastructure to decarbonize heavy industry, and the United States is currently lagging behind. The SCALE Act would provide the federal support needed to kick-start a CO2 transport and storage infrastructure build-out over the next decade to get the United States back on track. This new transport infrastructure will enable CO2 to be transported from the site of capture to locations where it can be used or stored safely underground.

To support carbon capture and job growth, the SCALE Act would:

• Establish the CO2 Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (CIFIA) program, which will provide flexible, low-interest loans for CO2 transport infrastructure projects and grants for initial excess capacity on new infrastructure to facilitate future growth. Modeled after the existing TIFIA and WIFIA programs for highway and water infrastructure, CIFIA will help facilitate private sector investment in infrastructure critical for reaching net-zero emissions. The bill also includes grants for Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) studies for CO2 transport infrastructure.
• Build upon the existing Department of Energy (DOE) CarbonSAFE program to provide cost sharing for deployment of commercial-scale saline geologic CO2 storage projects. The program would give priority to larger, commercial saline geologic storage projects that will serve as hubs for storing CO2 from multiple carbon capture facilities.
• Authorize increased funding to EPA for permitting Class VI CO2 storage wells in saline geologic formations and providing grants for states to establish their own Class VI permitting programs to ensure rigorous and efficient CO2 geologic storage site permitting.
• Provide grants to state and local governments for procuring CO2 utilization productsand support state and local programs that create demand for materials, fuels, and other products made from captured carbon. The bill also adds the objective of developing standards and certifications for products that use CO2 to DOE’s carbon utilization program.

In the Senate, the bill is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.). In the House, cosponsors include U.S. Representatives Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.), Pete Stauber (R-Minn.), Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), and Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.).

“Climate change is real, and it’s damaging to our health, our families and our environment. We know this because that’s what science tells us,” said Senator Smith. “The SCALE Act will help develop the carbon capture and storage infrastructure we will need to capture emissions from steelmaking, biofuels, and other key Minnesota industries. This is an important part of our effort to get to net-zero emissions for the entire economy. I’ll be working with my colleagues to move this forward. Our country can lead or we can follow when it comes to fighting climate change. I for one, want us to lead.”

“For more than a decade, North Dakota has been working to crack the code on CCUS technology,” said Senator Hoeven. “That means not only proving that CCUS works in the lab, but also providing the right legal, tax and regulatory environment to support its implementation. Our legislation addresses a key aspect of this effort – building the pipeline infrastructure we need to transport and store captured CO2 emissions in the appropriate geologic formations. This is about investing in new technologies and helping bring them to scale so they will be commercially-viable over the long-term. That’s how we will empower America to continue utilizing all of its abundant energy resources, helping to ensure our national and economic security.”

“Scientists tell us that we likely need to reverse a significant amount of carbon pollution to meet our climate goals.  Right now, we’re a long way from having the infrastructure in place to do that,” said Senator Whitehouse. “Our bipartisan proposal is a roadmap for scaling up the construction of carbon capture infrastructure and building momentum for these technologies while creating jobs in a promising field.”

“This is a commonsense, win-win bill that will help lower carbon emissions and create jobs through the construction of pipelines,” said Senator Capito. “Building infrastructure for carbon capture utilization and storage is critical in promoting deployment of this technology. Partnered with the bipartisan 45Q tax credit I authored and the reforms of the USE IT Act, this bill further advances our carbon capture goals.”

“Illinois is a leader in demonstrating the potential of carbon capture, utilization and storage to help our nation combat the climate crisis, while creating and supporting good jobs in an emerging sector,” said Senator Duckworth. “Our bipartisan SCALE Act seeks to build out the critical infrastructure that will enable us to not only reduce CO2 emissions at industrial sites, but ensure that captured carbon is reused or safely stored.”

“As a Main Street entrepreneur and co-founder of the Climate Solutions Caucus, I understand the need to find real solutions to our address our changing climate without putting Americans out of work,” said Senator Braun. “This bill walks the line between climate-smart practices and protecting American workers by driving private investment into the development of carbon transport and storage infrastructure and creating well-paying jobs as a result.”

“We’re already seeing the impacts of climate change across the country as severe weather events and natural disasters become more and more common,” said Senator Tester. “As we work to combat climate change, carbon capture can play an important role—and it’s high-time we make the investment. I’m proud to support this bill to help build this critical infrastructure to reduce emissions while creating jobs for hardworking Americans.”

“It is estimated that the demand for energy across the country could grow nearly 50 percent by the year 2050, making carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies as important as ever in the fight against climate change,” said Senator Murkowski. “CCUS will not only help America meet the growing demand for energy, but will also be critical to reducing emissions and supporting a cleaner environment. Through the SCALE Act, we are taking significant steps to construct and develop the critical infrastructure needed for large-scale carbon management. Investment in the expansion of CCUS will play an integral role in our nation’s all-of-the-above energy strategy.”

The SCALE Act is endorsed by a broad coalition of labor, environmental, and industry stakeholders: Carbon Capture Coalition, Third Way, National Wildlife Federation, Growth Energy, Carbon Engineering, Clean Air Task Force, Occidental, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Utility Workers Union of America, Carbon Utilization Research Council, Calpine, GE Gas Power, United Steelworkers, United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), C2ES, Carbon180, The Nature Conservancy, the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), and American Conservation Coalition.

“Climate change is happening now, across the globe and right here in Delaware,” said Lori Brennan, Executive Director for The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania and Delaware.“Confronted by the prospect of increasing temperatures, more extreme weather events and rising sea levels, it’s clear that a robust mix of climate strategies is needed. Carbon capture, storage and use needs to be part of this conversation, and the SCALE Act will support the infrastructure necessary for safe, effective and environmentally-sound deployment of these technologies. We thank Senator Coons for introducing this legislation.”

“The bipartisan SCALE Act represents a golden opportunity for the creation of desperately needed middle-class sustaining jobs,” said Sean McGarvey, President of North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU). “This legislation is the prime example of how Congress, industry, environmental groups, and construction unions can come together to develop needed climate policy while ensuring the creation of middle-class sustaining energy jobs. If our nation is to meet its midcentury climate goals, Congress must pass this legislation to begin the construction of the infrastructure necessary to support the deployment of systems to capture, transport, and store CO2. This essential part of our overall national infrastructure effort provides an immediate opportunity to create union jobs and train the next generation of construction workers. The carbon capture industry is committed to utilizing NABTU’s world-class apprenticeship and training system to provide the workforce to build the carbon capture, transport, and storage infrastructure for our country. We look forward to working with Congress to ensure that the SCALE Act is included in a comprehensive infrastructure package.”

“The IBEW thanks Senators Coons and Cassidy and Representatives Veasey and McKinley for introducing the SCALE Act,” said Lonnie R. Stephenson, President of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). “This legislation will help further the development of carbon capture sequestration and utilization, which are essential for the United States – and the international community – to meet the emission reductions called for by climate scientists. The SCALE Act will focus federal resources towards the transportation and storage of captured carbon, which will help preserve the livelihood of IBEW members who work day and night to maintain the safety and reliability of the electrical and natural gas services that we all rely on.”

“The SCALE Act takes an important step to support expanding critical carbon capture infrastructure,” James Slevin, President, Utility Workers Union of America. “If we’re going to have a shot at meeting the net zero emissions goals set forth by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, we need more supportive measures like this. We look forward to working together to advance this important legislation in the House and Senate.”

“BPC Action supports the SCALE Act introduced by Sens. Coons (D-DE) and Cassidy (R-LA) and Reps. Veasey (D-TX) and McKinley (R-WV),” said Michele Stockwell, Executive Director of Bipartisan Policy Center. “The legislation is a solid effort to advance carbon capture, transportation, utilization, and storage. It does a great deal to advance the carbon utilization and carbon storage potential of the United States, through both infrastructure and market support. With the growing scale of the global carbon market, legislation such as the SCALE Act is crucial to ensure the competitiveness of the United States.”

Additional endorsing quotes can be found here. A one pager on the bill is available here. Bill text is available here.

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