Removal
Bipartisan Bill Would Enhance Natural Role of Oceans in Absorbing Emissions
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (WV-01), along with Reps. Mike Doyle (PA-18) and Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), introduced the Ocean Restoration Research and Development Act (H.R. 9027). The bill promotes research into technologies and techniques that utilize the ocean as a method for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Covering 70% of Earth, the ocean is by far the largest absorber of carbon dioxide, far exceeding the amount removed by plants and trees on land. Finding ways to boost the natural processes that take carbon from the atmosphere could have a huge impact on reducing CO2 levels in the atmosphere.
“We need to be looking at all solutions – including natural ones – to address global emissions,” said Rep. McKinley. “Thanks to phytoplankton, the oceans play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide. If we could find a way to boost production of these microscopic algae, it would be a game changer.”
“Phytoplankton are essential for the health of our oceans, forming an essential part of the food chain – but they also provide an important mechanism for removing carbon dioxide from the earth’s atmosphere,” Congressman Doyle observed. “When the number of phytoplankton decreases, more carbon dioxide is left in the atmosphere, which accelerates global warming – and, to make matters worse, global warming appears to reduce the number of phytoplankton. Consequently, it’s a real threat to the future of our planet that the number of phytoplankton in our oceans has been dropping for decades. That’s why efforts like this to restore phytoplankton activity in the oceans are so important.”
“Phytoplankton play a key role in fighting carbon emissions,” said Rep. Carter. “Mother Nature has many of the answers to ocean restoration and carbon removal, and it’s time we use those natural resources to sustain, preserve, and improve our planet for generations to come. As the representative for the entire coast of Georgia, and co-chair of the Roosevelt Climate Caucus, this bill has my full support.”
“ConservAmerica commends Rep. McKinley on the introduction of this important legislation. Tackling climate change requires us all to think outside the box, and ocean restoration is an innovative, nature-based approach that could change the game,” added Todd Johnston, ConservAmerica’s Vice President of Policy. “The bipartisan support this bill has received goes to show that both sides of the aisle can work together on collaborative solutions. We thank Rep. McKinley for his work to make this legislation a reality and look forward to seeing its progress.”
Background:
The Ocean Restoration Research and Development Act of 2022 (H.R. 9027) would direct the Secretary of Energy to develop a demonstration program to close knowledge gaps and help inform policymaking for carbon-dioxide removal (CDR) strategies.
In December 2021, the National Academies released a report assessing the potential benefits of ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) approaches and calling for more research to learn how these methods could help mitigate the impacts of climate change. This legislation builds upon the recommendations in the report.
The idea behind CDR has been around for decades. However, research on this topic has been lacking and questions remain about the amount of carbon that can be removed, the best techniques for CDR, and the benefits of such a strategy on fisheries.
CDR provides a unique opportunity to sequester tens of millions of tons of carbon with the potential for simultaneously helping restore fisheries.
Key Elements of the Bill:
Directs DOE to establish a pilot project to research this topic, and coordinate with other federal agencies and use existing data to inform ongoing research and development goals and location of pilot projects.
Encourages public-private collaboration and cooperative agreements to carry out and expedite pilot projects.
Requires projects to be performed in deep ocean waters to eliminate potential for harmful algal blooms.
Requires a report to Congress within 3 years regarding effectiveness of the program in terms of reducing CO2 levels and other benefits to fisheries and marine mammals.