WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), a leading voice on energy policy and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), delivered strong remarks at a recent full committee hearing. The hearing was convened to explore the potential and hurdles in deploying carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) and direct air capture technologies across both federal and non-federal lands.
Senator Barrasso’s opening statement, available to watch here, addressed the critical need for carbon capture innovation while sharply criticizing the Biden administration’s energy policies. The hearing included testimony from prominent figures such as the Honorable Brad J. Crabtree from the Department of Energy, Mr. Bruno Pigott from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ms. Erin Burns from Carbon180, and Ms. Lily R. Barkau from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. Further details on witness testimonies can be found here.
Barrasso Accuses Biden Administration of “Shameful” Energy Policy and Anti-Coal Agenda
Senator Barrasso began his remarks by expressing his dismay and accusing the Biden administration of dishonesty. He referenced the recent postponement of Lease Sale 261 by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, just days after Director Elizabeth Klein assured the committee of its progression. Barrasso stated, “Well, she lied to the committee. Because today, this very morning, she postponed the sale indefinitely.” He condemned this action as “shameful” and indicative of the administration’s “brazen” disregard for the law and the Senate committee.
Moving to the broader energy landscape, Senator John Barrasso highlighted President Biden’s stated goal to eliminate coal production and use in the United States, quoting the President’s commitment to “shutting these [coal] plants down all across America and having wind and solar.” Barrasso argued that the administration is actively pursuing this agenda through various measures, including blocking coal leasing on federal lands, delaying mining permits, and proposing stringent emissions regulations targeting coal-fired power plants. He characterized these actions as an attempt to “kill coal by a thousand cuts,” warning that this approach is “a recipe for disaster” for the nation.
The Indispensable Role of Coal and the Imperative of Dispatchable Power
Countering the administration’s push to eliminate coal, Senator Barrasso cited the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration, emphasizing coal’s projected importance in the energy mix for decades to come. He underscored the critical advantage of coal-fired plants in providing “dispatchable power”—electricity available 24/7, unlike intermittent sources like wind and solar.
Senator Barrasso referenced testimonies received by the committee from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). These testimonies, according to Barrasso, warned that the premature retirement of dispatchable generation, including coal, “jeopardizes our nation’s electric reliability.” He argued that eliminating coal risks power outages and hinders the feasibility of widespread electric vehicle adoption, which the administration promotes. Instead of elimination, Barrasso advocated for encouraging innovation, particularly in carbon capture technologies.
Wyoming: A Leader in Carbon Capture Innovation
Senator John Barrasso proudly presented Wyoming as a leader in carbon capture innovation. He spotlighted the Integrated Test Center in Gillette, Wyoming, as a “shining example of an innovative public-private partnership” dedicated to developing carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies in real-world conditions. He also praised the University of Wyoming for its cutting-edge research and development in CCUS, noting its participation in the Department of Energy’s CarbonSAFE program. This program aims to establish geologic storage sites capable of storing significant amounts of carbon dioxide.
Barrasso highlighted the University of Wyoming’s recent additional funding under the CarbonSAFE program, which will support the development of a carbon capture and storage hub in the Greater Green River Basin. This initiative will utilize carbon dioxide from trona mining and direct air capture, demonstrating Wyoming’s commitment to diverse carbon capture approaches.
Addressing Obstacles: Pipelines, Regulations, and Ideological Resistance
Acknowledging the challenges facing carbon capture deployment, Senator Barrasso pointed to the necessity for new carbon dioxide pipelines and regulatory uncertainties surrounding carbon storage on federal lands. However, he emphasized that these challenges are surmountable. He identified “ideological obstacles” as a more significant impediment, criticizing “environmental extremists” who oppose carbon capture because of their fundamental opposition to fossil fuels.
Senator Barrasso argued that the EPA is succumbing to pressure from these groups, leading to delays in permitting carbon dioxide injection wells. He noted that only Wyoming and North Dakota currently have the authority to permit these wells, while projects in other states face EPA approval processes that can take up to six years. He criticized the EPA for simultaneously pushing stringent air regulations that necessitate carbon capture while hindering its implementation through slow permitting. Barrasso suggested that the EPA’s actions indicate an intention to “kill” carbon capture technology rather than facilitate its progress.
Call for Action: Policies to Advance Carbon Capture
Senator John Barrasso concluded his remarks by emphasizing the critical need to “get this right” for the sake of both energy reliability and emissions reduction. He urged for policies that actively support carbon capture technologies, enabling them to reach their full potential. He expressed hope that the hearing would contribute to moving in that direction, ensuring that carbon capture can play its vital role in a balanced and reliable energy future.
