H.R. 9975, Climate Technology Procurement Program. Quorum's AI analysis reads it as a net benefit — and names who gains.
H.R. 9975 · Net good
What it does
This bill requires the federal government to purchase and remove increasing amounts of carbon dioxide from the air and seawater—starting at 50,000 metric tons annually in 2026–2027, scaling to 10 million metric tons by 2036 and beyond. The Secretary of Energy must contract with private companies using approved technologies (direct air capture, seawater capture, waste gasification) at declining price caps ($750/ton in 2026–2027, dropping to $150/ton by 2037), with at least 20% of removal coming from small projects. The bill prioritizes projects that create jobs, support fossil-fuel-dependent communities, minimize environmental harm, and use domestic supply chains.
The analysis names Direct air capture (DAC) technology companies — and 6 more groups — among the beneficiaries.
The trade-off
The bill's 'economically feasible' price caps may become binding constraints if removal technology costs do not decline as projected, potentially forcing the Secretary to reduce removal targets or declare infeasibility—creating a built-in escape clause that could undermine the stated mandate.
Transparency scores 78%, with a medium warning level and no detached riders.
Who is behind it
Filed by Paul Tonko. Cosponsored by Scott Peters.