Methane Removal Research and Innovation Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9478
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-25: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-08T19:25:33Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation directs the Secretary of Energy to create a research initiative focused on developing methods to remove methane from the atmosphere. It aims to advance scientific understanding and practical technologies for methane reduction through coordinated federal efforts.
Key Provisions
- Establishes the Methane Removal Research Initiative within one year of enactment, involving multidisciplinary teams from national laboratories, universities, and private entities.
- Requires research on topics including atmospheric oxidation, biological methods like methanotrophy and plant-based approaches, methane concentrators, breakdown reactors, new materials, and tools for assessment.
- Mandates coordination with agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and others to leverage expertise.
- Requires triennial reports to Congress on research progress, knowledge gaps, resource needs, and recommendations.
- Authorizes $25 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces new statutory requirements for the Department of Energy to organize and fund methane removal research, without amending or repealing prior statutes. It adds a structured initiative aligned with an existing National Academies report on atmospheric methane removal.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Increases coordination among the Department of Energy and other federal entities, potentially expanding their roles in climate-related research and demonstration projects.
- Citizens: May lead to future technologies that reduce atmospheric methane levels, with indirect effects on air quality and climate stability, though no immediate direct benefits or costs are specified.
- International relations: Could support U.S. contributions to global methane reduction efforts but does not establish new international obligations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal agencies including the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
- Research institutions such as national laboratories and institutions of higher education.
- Private sector entities involved in technology development.
- Congress, through required reporting and appropriations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications No significant constitutional issues are raised, as the bill operates within the Department of Energy's existing research authority. Politically, it emphasizes science-based climate technology development through a multi-agency approach, with funding tied to specific fiscal years.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-1], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-25: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2026-06-25: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-25: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Methane Removal Research and Innovation Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-25 — PDF (7 pages)