Press Releases

Representatives Jack Bergman and Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) introduced H.R. 7896, the Redeeming Effectiveness to Carbon Oxide Utilization Plus Sequestration (RECOUPS) Act of 2020. This legislation would provide a direct pay option for Section 45Q tax credits for carbon capture and sequestration - improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the credit while continuing our work to support domestic energy production and reduce carbon emissions.

Rep. Bergman stated, "In the midst of COVID-19, direct pay has become more important than ever to help developers finance carbon capture projects without relying on inefficient and costly methods to monetize tax credits. The RECOUPS Act will help accelerate the development and construction of carbon capture projects currently in progress and encourage the development and deployment of additional projects to help meet mid-century climate goals, create and retain jobs, and support economic growth."

“Investing in carbon capture technology is critical to our energy future and to addressing our most pressing environmental challenges,” said Rep. Lizzie Fletcher.  “I’m glad to partner with Representative Bergman to introduce this bipartisan bill that will help companies take advantage of the 45Q tax credit and help jump start these carbon capture projects.”   

Carbon capture projects often rely on 45Q Carbon Capture and Sequestration tax credits to provide financial incentives and security. These credits have received bipartisan support and were most recently expanded in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. Unfortunately, many businesses are unable to capture the full benefit of the credit depending on their tax liability – forcing developers to pursue more costly and inefficient mechanisms to monetize the credit, for instance by forming partnerships with financial institutions

This legislation would provide a direct pay option for the federal Section 45Q tax credit for geologic storage and beneficial use of carbon captured at industrial facilities, power plants and through direct air capture. Developers that choose to use this option would only receive 90% of the tax credit's value. This will promote efficiency while saving taxpayer dollars.

The RECOUPS Act has received support from the Carbon Capture Coalition, which is composed of nearly 80 businesses and organizations dedicated to reducing carbon emissions, fostering domestic energy and industrial production, and supporting a high-wage jobs base.