§17253 Geologic Sequestration Training and Research

Summary

The Secretary must work with the National Academy of Sciences to study and plan an interdisciplinary college program in geology, engineering, hydrology, environmental science, and related fields to support capturing and storing carbon dioxide. The study must cover undergraduate and graduate education, create guidelines for college and university proposals, outline a budget and funding needed for the grant program below, and the results must be sent to Congress no later than 1 year after December 19, 2007. Congress authorized $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 for this study. The Secretary must set up a competitive grant program so colleges and universities can get 4-year grants to pay new faculty salaries and startup costs and to fund graduate student internships in geologic carbon sequestration science. Grants can be renewed up to two extra 3-year terms based on performance rules from the National Academy of Sciences study, including graduate numbers. Programs should work with the Department’s Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnerships to provide hands-on internships and training. Funding is authorized as needed.