Biden Administration Invests Billions in Controversial Carbon Removal Technology and Carbon Capture Initiatives

The Biden administration has allocated $1.2 billion from the Department of Energy (DOE) to fund the development of direct air capture (DAC) facilities in Texas and Louisiana. DAC is a controversial carbon removal technology that aims to address pollution already emitted. While some environmental advocates support the move, others are wary of the deep ties between fossil fuel companies and the emerging carbon removal industry. The DOE plans to distribute a total of $3.5 billion to develop at least four DAC hubs across the US. The first two hubs are expected to capture at least 1 million metric tons of CO2 annually and create 4,800 jobs. However, critics argue that DAC allows polluting industries to continue operating instead of transitioning to renewable energy sources. The cost of DAC technology remains high, but the Biden administration aims to reduce it to less than $100 per ton of CO2 removed.