Following today’s introduction of the Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act by Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito—which focuses on capturing and repurposing mine methane emissions from active and abandoned mines to be used as an energy resource—Waste Gas Capture Initiative (WGCI) Executive Director, Mike Moore, issued the following statement:

“The Waste Gas Capture Initiative thanks Sens. Warner and Capito for their bipartisan leadership that recognizes the important economic and environmental benefits associated with mine methane capture. Scaling methane capture operations is a commonsense energy solution that advances American energy security while promoting our nation’s low carbon energy future. This legislation will bring good-paying jobs to the parts of the country that have been left behind by the energy transition, including parts of Virginia, West Virginia, and Appalachia. We fully support the Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act and look forward to working with our partners to see its passage and implementation,” said WGCI Executive Director Mike Moore.

This legislation follows the introduction of H.R. 3982, the Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act, by Reps. Miller, Sewell, Reschenthaler, and Deluzio earlier in the 118th Congress. This bipartisan bill will amend Section 45Q of the Internal Revenue Code to establish the mine methane capture incentive credit, recognizing the long-term benefits of capturing mine methane. Approximately 8% of annual U.S. methane emissions are attributed to active and abandoned mines. However, fewer than 2% of these mines are currently engaged in efforts to collect and utilize waste methane. This legislation provides the necessary support to scale methane capture practices at the pace required to cover the economic costs of investments in crucial technology and infrastructure, all while navigating the changing energy policy landscape.

About WGCI

The WGCI represents leading American energy industry partners, NGOs, and experts who are committed to recognizing the economic benefits and environmental impact of a strong mine methane capture industry. Visit wastegascapture.com and follow @WGCInitiative on X (formerly known as Twitter) and LinkedIn for more information.

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