New federal commission would study wood-burning carbon capture technology

What does this do?

HR 5597 establishes the Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage Advancement Commission, housed within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The commission would study BECCS technology, a process that burns plants or trees for energy while capturing and storing the carbon dioxide released underground. It would meet at least quarterly and must deliver a report with recommendations to Congress within one year of its first meeting, after which it shuts down 180 days later.

Who does it affect?

The commission would include federal officials from the Agriculture, Energy, and Interior departments, along with representatives from the timber industry, state energy and forestry organizations, and the BECCS industry. People most directly affected include forestry and timber workers, rural communities near federal forests, energy companies pursuing carbon capture, and federal land managers.

Why does it matter?

The report would examine how federal agencies could expand BECCS power plants, ease access to wood and plant material from federal lands as fuel, and improve coordination between government and industry. It would also assess effects on local jobs, energy prices, forest health, wildfire prevention, and the energy demands of data centers and artificial intelligence systems.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Members serve without pay
• Travel costs are covered