Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Encourage Methane Removal

June 25 2026 Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Encourage Methane Removal Home / Media / Uncategorized Washington, D.C. – Following UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ call for an international reduction in methane emissions, Representatives Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), and Carol Miller (WV-01) introduced the bipartisan Methane Removal and Innovation Act , legislation to accelerate the development of technologies that capture methane directly from the atmosphere and ensure American leadership in this emerging field. Methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and is responsible for nearly 30% of the rise in global temperatures since the Industrial Revolution. Yet current efforts focus largely on preventing new emissions rather than addressing methane already in the atmosphere. The Methane Removal and Innovation Act would establish a Department of Energy (DOE) program to accelerate the development and deployment of methane removal technologies. “Cutting methane emissions is essential, but we also need innovative solutions to address methane that is already in our atmosphere,” said Rep. Mullin . “This critical legislation will help accelerate next-generation technologies that capture and repurpose methane while strengthening American leadership in a growing industry. By investing in research and innovation today, we can support public-private partnerships that advance practical solutions to meet the urgency of the climate crisis.” “Methane is a powerful driver of climate change, but stopping leaks from pipelines and energy facilities is only half the battle. We also need new technology that pulls methane straight out of the atmosphere,” said Rep. Salinas. “This bill directs the Department of Energy to invest in research, development, and commercialization so American companies can lead the way with the next generation of methane capture technology. Because Oregon is a leader in climate technology, this legislation will protect our climate while supporting good jobs in clean energy innovation right here at home.” “Methane reduction is about strengthening American energy security and making sure our resources are used responsibly and efficiently. In the past, I have worked on efforts to address methane emissions and support responsible energy production, and I am happy to be a part of this legislation that builds on that foundation. This bill ensures the Department of Energy invests in innovative technologies that can capture methane both at the source and directly from the atmosphere,” said Rep. Miller. To secure American leadership, the Methane Removal Research and Innovation Act directs the DOE to establish a research, development, and commercialization program for methane capture technologies. Specifically, it would: Accelerate the development of methane removal technologies to be brought to the marketplace Streamline resources by coordinating efforts at federal agencies to support research and commercialization Authorize $25 million annually through 2030 for the program “Methane has driven roughly 30% of global warming since preindustrial times, which is why we need to pursue every credible tool to address it,” said Megan Melamed, Program Director for Methane Removal at Spark Climate Solutions . “Aggressive emission reductions are essential and will result in near-term benefits. But hard-to-abate sources, warming-induced emissions, and other possible feedbacks will persist. This means we must assess every potential tool—including atmospheric methane removal. This bill would mobilize American science and innovation to do exactly that. We thank Representatives Mullin, Salinas, and Miller for their leadership.” “The Methane Removal Research and Innovation Act (MRRIA) is an important step toward a robust, publicly funded research environment that explores a variety of climate response strategies,” said Sikina Jinnah, Professor of Environmental Studies and Associate Director of the Center for Reimagining Leadership at UC Santa Cruz. “As the 2024 National Academies report on methane removal stated, and as MRRIA champions, a useful knowledge base must consider technology and humans in concert.’ By integrating ethics and social science into research now, MRRIA will help align innovation with public priorities while methane removal technologies are still nascent.” “The Methane Removal Research and Innovation Act is a critical step toward advancing industries harnessing nature’s ability to capture methane and transform it into valuable resources,” said Josh Silverman, CEO of Windfall Bio. “By accelerating innovation in methane capture technologies and specifically highlighting biological capture, this legislation provides a practical path to reducing emissions while strengthening our agricultural and industrial economies. We thank Representatives Mullin, Salinas, and Miller for their leadership on this important issue.” “Methane pollution is a major contributor to nea