Following Senators’ Urging, Kelly & Sinema Announce Over $23 Million to Build Regional Air Capture Hub at Arizona State University from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Kelly and Sinema urged the Department of Energy to support Arizona State University’s application to program enacted by the Sinema-led and Kelly-shaped Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema announced $23,172,737 for the Southwest Regional Direct Air Capture Hub led by Arizona State University (ASU). The initiative was selected as part of the Regional Direct Air Capture Hubs program, which was enacted under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law led by Sinema and shaped by Kelly.  

The announcement follows a letter Sinema and Kelly sent to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm urging the Administration to award the project with the investments needed to build a regional direct air capture hub – reducing harmful emissions, advancing the production and use of clean, renewable energy, and creating strong careers.  

“Direct air capture is one of many tools needed to tackle climate change, and ASU is an ideal partner for developing this critical technology. Arizona is on the frontlines of climate change and this investment from our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will ensure the Southwest Regional Direct Air Capture Hub keeps Arizona on the cutting edge of climate solutions,” said Sen. Kelly.   

“When I wrote the bipartisan infrastructure law, I made sure it would deliver real results for Arizona. Today’s investment – made possible from our infrastructure law – advances clean energy technologies and creates strong careers so Arizona can continue to lead the way in innovation and economic competitiveness for years to come,” said Sinema.  

In their letter of support, the Arizona Senators noted how Arizonans are on the frontlines of the changing climate. From record drought to extreme heat and wildfires, Arizonans experience the impacts of a changing climate year-round.  

The Regional Direct Air Capture Hubs program, which was enacted under Sinema and Kelly’s bipartisan infrastructure law, provides funding for eligible projects that contribute to the development of four regional direct air capture hubs.   

Under ASU’s leadership, the Southwest Regional Direct Air Capture Hub will accelerate the direct air capture industry and maximize its environmental and economic benefits. With an unparalleled understanding of the industry’s technology, business leaders, and key regional stakeholders, ASU will serve as an effective partner to help bring carbon capture objectives to fruition.