The Carbon Utilization Research Council (CURC) commends Congressmen Marc Veasey (D-TX) and David McKinley (R-WV) on the introduction of the Fossil Energy Research and Development Act of 2018. CURC applauds their legislation as it outlines a comprehensive approach for the development of novel technology pathways that will enable the responsible use of our nation’s abundant coal and fossil energy resources.
The Fossil Energy Research and Development Act authorizes a new research and development program at the Department of Energy (DOE) that would support robust Carbon Capture, Storage and Advanced Energy Systems programs that will result in the development of transformational, advanced power generation technologies for coal and natural gas. The program will develop technologies that reduce their environmental footprint while also continuing to benefit from the responsible use of our abundant and low cost coal and natural gas resources. The bill would also encourage DOE to support large-scale pilot projects and encourages a fuel-agnostic approach to research and development that does not come at the expense of advanced coal technologies. CURC is pleased to support these provisions of the bill as they align with the recommendations of the CURC-EPRI Advanced Fossil Energy Technology Roadmap.
“Sustained federal support is necessary to advance power generation technologies from development to commercialization,” said CURC Executive Director Shannon Angielski. “CURC commends Congressmen Veasey and McKinley for maintaining critical funding for power generation technologies and promoting a fuel agnostic approach that recognizes the important role for coal in our future energy mix."