USE IT Act

Bill: 116-s-383
Sponsor: Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]
Introduced: 2019-02-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Air quality
Climate change and greenhouse gases
Congressional oversight
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Environmental health
Environmental technology
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Higher education
Income tax credits
Infrastructure development
Land use and conservation
Licensing and registrations
Pipelines
Research administration and funding
State and local government operations
Technology transfer and commercialization

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-07
text: 

Utilizing Significant Emissions with Innovative Technologies Act or the USE IT Act

 
This bill addresses the capture, utilization, and sequestration of carbon dioxide.
 
The Environmental Protection Agency must (1) establish a competitive prize program for certain technology projects that capture carbon dioxide directly from the air, (2) research and develop technologies or approaches that transform carbon dioxide generated by industrial processes into a product of commercial value, and (3) support research and infrastructure activities relating to carbon dioxide utilization by providing technical and financial assistance. 
 
The bill includes the construction of infrastructure for carbon capture (e.g., carbon dioxide pipelines) among those projects subject to performance schedules designed to reduce permitting and project delivery time.
 
The Government Accountability Office must issue a report that identifies grant programs that research carbon capture and utilization technologies and examines whether the programs overlap.
 
The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) must publish guidance to (1) facilitate reviews associated with the deployment of carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration projects and carbon dioxide pipelines; and (2) support the development of such projects and pipelines.
 
The CEQ must also establish at least two task forces to (1) identify challenges and successes that permitting authorities and project developers and operators face, and (2) improve the performance of the permitting process and regional coordination.

action_date: 2019-04-10
text: 

Utilizing Significant Emissions with Innovative Technologies Act or the USE IT Act

 
This bill addresses the capture, utilization, and sequestration of carbon dioxide.
 
The Environmental Protection Agency must (1) establish a competitive prize program for certain technology projects that capture carbon dioxide directly from the air, (2) research and develop technologies or approaches that transform carbon dioxide generated by industrial processes into a product of commercial value, and (3) support research and infrastructure activities relating to carbon dioxide utilization by providing technical and financial assistance. 
 
The bill includes the construction of infrastructure for carbon capture (e.g., carbon dioxide pipelines) among those projects subject to performance schedules designed to reduce permitting and project delivery time.
 
The Government Accountability Office must issue a report that identifies grant programs that research carbon capture and utilization technologies and examines whether the programs overlap.
 
The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) must publish guidance to (1) facilitate reviews associated with the deployment of carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration projects and carbon dioxide pipelines; and (2) support the development of such projects and pipelines.
 
The CEQ must also establish at least two task forces to (1) identify challenges and successes that permitting authorities and project developers and operators face, and (2) improve the performance of the permitting process and regional coordination.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-05-13
text: By Senator Barrasso from Committee on Environment and Public Works filed written report. Report No. 116-38.
action_date: 2019-05-13
text: By Senator Barrasso from Committee on Environment and Public Works filed written report. Report No. 116-38.
action_date: 2019-04-10
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 70.
action_date: 2019-04-10
text: Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Barrasso without amendment. Without written report.
action_date: 2019-04-10
text: Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Barrasso without amendment. Without written report.
action_date: 2019-04-10
text: Committee on Environment and Public Works. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: Committee on Environment and Public Works. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 116-5.
action_date: 2019-02-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2019-02-07
text: Introduced in Senate