Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology, Agriculture, and Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill creates a new federal commission within the Department of Agriculture to develop policy recommendations for bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS)—a technology that produces energy from biomass while capturing carbon dioxide emissions. The commission will include federal officials from agriculture and energy agencies, state forestry representatives, timber industry members, and four industry representatives, with the Agriculture Department's Rural Development Under Secretary serving as chair. Within one year of its first meeting, the commission must report to Congress with policy recommendations and measurable metrics regarding how BECCS systems can improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk, create jobs, support energy reliability, and advance clean energy goals. The commission will also identify federal policy changes and legislative reforms needed to expand BECCS development, particularly around using biomass from federally managed lands. The commission will operate for approximately 18 months from its first meeting—180 days after members are appointed plus one year to produce its report—with members serving without pay but receiving travel expenses.
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