Southern West Virginia News

On March 5, 2025, a bipartisan group of U.S. representatives introduced the Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act. The legislation aims to capture and repurpose methane emissions from both active and abandoned mines across the United States for use as an energy source.

Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) emphasized the historical role of coal in powering the nation. She stated, "Expanding the Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage tax credit is an important first step to secure our economic and energy success." Miller believes that turning mine methane emissions into an energy source will maintain the country's global dominance in energy.

Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL) highlighted the environmental benefits, saying, “Methane is one of the leading contributors to climate change.” She added that this legislation would create jobs while advancing environmental justice.

Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) noted a gap in current tax incentives: “Our tax code currently incentivizes the capture of carbon oxide emissions – but not mine methane.” He supports adding this incentive to boost America's energy security.

Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA) remarked on the bill's potential impact on job creation and emission reduction. He said it would "incentivize efforts to capture methane emissions from mines."

Cecil E. Roberts, International President of the United Mine Workers of America, praised the bipartisan nature of the bill. He described it as strong legislation that benefits workers and communities in Appalachia.

Mike Moore, executive director of Waste Gas Capture Initiative, supported leveraging mine methane capture for job creation and increased production. He stated that this could help reclaim U.S. energy security.

The act proposes amending section 45Q of the Internal Revenue Code to treat captured methane equivalently to CO2 in terms of greenhouse gas emission reductions. Methane from abandoned mines accounts for 10% of U.S. methane emissions.