Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) announced on Mar. 27 his support for the Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at incentivizing the capture and repurposing of methane emissions from active and abandoned mines.
The legislation seeks to address environmental concerns while also providing economic opportunities in rural areas by creating a tax credit for mine owners who capture methane that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.
“Capturing methane emissions from our mines protects our environment, creates new economic opportunities for rural communities and strengthens American energy production,” said Husted. He is joined by Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), who are co-sponsoring the bill. Capito said, “I’m proud to help reintroduce the Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act, which will help capture and utilize mine methane emissions as a fuel source from coal mines. This legislation will result in positive environmental and economic impacts, and create another step for West Virginia to continue to lead the nation in an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy approach.”
Warner added, “This legislation takes a critical step in boosting Virginia’s efforts to address the harmful impact of methane when emitted into the atmosphere while simultaneously creating good-paying jobs and supporting economic growth. By incentivizing the reduction of methane emissions, we’re not only protecting the environment but also strengthening our energy independence, I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation.”
The Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act proposes an amendment to Section 45Q of the Internal Revenue Code by establishing a Mine Methane Capture Incentive Credit. The credit would be available based on qualified methane captured from mining activities—including underground, abandoned or closed mines—and either injected into pipelines or used for heat or energy production.
Husted has held several leadership roles prior to joining the U.S. Senate: he served as Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives before becoming Ohio secretary of state and lieutenant governor according to his official website. During his time as Speaker, he advanced tax reductions and educational choice scholarships according to his official website. He serves on Senate committees focusing on health, education, labor and pensions; small business; entrepreneurship; environment; public works; and aging according to his official website.
Husted’s background includes earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Dayton according to his official website, where he was an All-American defensive back who helped lead Dayton Flyers football team to a Division III national championship according to his official website. In addition, Husted ran on a platform emphasizing tax reductions as well as educational choice scholarships—he successfully defended voter roll integrity in a landmark Supreme Court decision according to his official website.
He lives with his wife Tina in Columbus where they raised three children before welcoming their first granddaughter according to his official website.
