U.S. Reps. John Reschenthaler (R-PA) and Chris Deluzio (D-PA) are among a bipartisan group of lawmakers that introduced a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that seeks to reduce mine methane emissions.
The Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act of 2023 (H.R. 3982) would amend section 45Q of the Internal Revenue Code to qualify methane, which otherwise would’ve been released as a greenhouse gas emission, to be acquitted equivalent to the capture of CO2. In addition to reducing mine emissions, it seeks to create jobs, enhance energy security, and clean up local environments.
“Our tax code currently incentivizes the capture of carbon oxide emissions – but not mine methane, which accounts for a tenth of all U.S. methane emissions,” Reschenthaler said. “This omission should be added to boost America’s energy security and spur new economic production in southwestern Pennsylvania. I thank Representatives Miller and Sewell for their leadership in spearheading the commonsense Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act that supports the proper capture and utilization of mine methane.”
Along with Reschenthaler and Deluzio, the bill is also sponsored by U.S. Reps. Carol Miller (R-WV) and Terri Sewell (D-AL).
“This bill will incentivize efforts to capture methane emissions from mines and to turn them into a source powering our grid and economy,” Deluzio said. “I am proud to join my colleagues to support the bipartisan Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act’s efforts to create jobs, reduce mine methane emissions, strengthen energy security, and clean up our air.”
Roughly 10 percent of U.S. methane emissions are made up of methane gas released from abandoned mines.
“Coal has been the bedrock of West Virginia for generations, and I’m making sure it stays that way,” Miller said. “Expanding the Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage tax credit is an important first step to secure our economic and energy success. If we can take mine methane emissions and turn them into an energy source, the United States will remain dominant on the global stage. The Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act is a win for energy security, clean air, and the American economy.”
The bill is also supported by the Waste Gas Capture Initiative.
“Scaling methane capture operations is critical to reducing overall U.S. methane emissions as well as local emissions, utilizes a reliable source of low-carbon natural gas supply, and bolsters American energy security. By supporting the build-out of mine methane capture sites, this legislation will catalyze much-needed economic growth in the communities most affected by the energy transition while improving local environments. We look forward to supporting the Mine Methane Reduction Act and seeing its wide-ranging benefits make a difference for our environment and our economy,” officials at the Waste Gas Capture Initiative.