API Statement on CCUS and PHMSA Provisions in Omnibus Package

WASHINGTON, December 22, 2020 – The American Petroleum Institute (API) today applauded several provisions included in the omnibus spending bill passed by Congress and urged the president to swiftly sign the package into law.

Several of the provisions included were from Chairman Murkowski’s American Energy Innovation Act, including aspects of two bipartisan bills to encourage the development of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS).

“API is pleased that the bipartisan USE IT Act and key provisions of the LEADING Act have passed the Senate as part of the omnibus package. We commend the bipartisan group of lawmakers who have moved this legislation one step closer to becoming law and who understand the important role of advancing innovation and technology in addressing the risks of climate change,” API Vice President of Corporate Policy Stephen Comstock said. “We urge the president to swiftly sign this bill into law, and we encourage the next Congress and incoming administration to continue to focus on bipartisan climate solutions like CCUS, which can reduce GHG emissions from multiple industry sectors and sources and that help build on the progress the natural gas and oil industry is making in improving environmental performance.”

In addition to the provisions included from the American Energy Innovation Act, the PIPES Act was also included in the final version of the omnibus package. The bill will authorize appropriations for the Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) through 2023, ensuring the agency has the proper tools to keep our nation’s pipeline system operating safely.

“The PIPES Act has been years in the making, and we’re pleased that bipartisan consensus has been reached on the bill, which takes important steps to ensure the safety of our nation’s pipeline system for communities and the environment,” API Vice President of Midstream and Industry Operations Robin Rorick said. “Pipelines are the safest and most environmentally friendly way to move the energy that American families and businesses rely on every day, and we urge the White House to act quickly and sign the PIPES Act into law.”

API represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Our roughly 600 members produce, process and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry supports more than ten million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization. In our first 100 years, API has developed more than 700 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.