The Carbon180 Member of the Year award honors policymakers who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to advancing carbon removal policies to support a robust and evolving carbon removal field. Our 2024 honorees have played a key role in ensuring that carbon removal solutions continue to receive the broad, bipartisan support necessary to make a lasting impact.
Congratulations to our 2024 Carbon180 Member of the Year awardees:
- Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM)
- Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY)
- Congressman Kevin Mullin (D-CA)
Let’s take a closer look at their achievements.
Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM)
Senator Heinrich has been a steadfast advocate for integrating carbon removal into the broader climate agenda. His work on legislation such as the Clean Competition Act and his support for the Inflation Reduction Act have been instrumental in putting the U.S. on a path to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030. Often recognized as a steward for bipartisan action, Heinrich emphasizes partnership as a cornerstone for success.
“Advancing carbon removal is key for addressing climate change, one of the many opportunities we have in Congress. In order to make progress, we must all work together across party lines to find solutions necessary to scale. Collaboration is key for my colleagues to ensure not just emissions reductions are happening, but also securing energy independence, bolstering the economy, and creating jobs.” — Senator Martin Heinrich
Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY)
As co-chair of the bipartisan House Climate Solutions Caucus, Congressman Garbarino has been a driving force behind efforts to protect green tax credits and advance regulatory reforms that encourage domestic energy production. His leadership on the Natural Climate Solutions Research and Extension Act and his advocacy for investments in clean energy highlight his commitment to bipartisan initiatives that ensure a more resilient future.
“American energy independence is imperative, not only for the economic prosperity of the United States but also for our national security. To meet America’s growing energy needs, we must prioritize domestic energy production and innovation, including investments in clean energy and regulatory reform that encourage production here at home and disincentivize reliance on foreign energy sources.” — Congressman Andrew Garbarino
Congressman Kevin Mullin (D-CA)
Representing California’s 15th District, Congressman Mullin has been a vocal advocate for carbon removal to address the climate crisis’s most severe impacts. His support of the Carbon Dioxide Removal Leadership Act (CDRLA) reflects his dedication to supporting innovation and scaling critical CDR technologies.
In testimony to the House Appropriations Committee, Energy and Water Development, and related agencies subcommittee Member Day meeting, Congressman Mullin advocated for federal investment in carbon removal, emphasizing the need for stronger standards, market incentives, and advancements in measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) to accelerate commercialization.
His commitment to climate action is deeply personal, as he noted:
“I’m honored to receive the Carbon180 Member of the Year Award. Carbon removal will be necessary to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change, and I’ve been proud to champion policies that support innovation and investment in this critical area. Climate change is having a direct impact on communities across the globe, including in my San Francisco Bay hometown, where we face threats of rising seas, extreme storms, and wildfires. As we head into the 119th Congress, we must continue to build on bipartisan efforts to scale carbon removal technologies, ensuring a cleaner, more resilient future for all. I’m proud to be part of a movement that is creating real, lasting change — and it’s essential that we work together across party lines to tackle the climate crisis for the benefit of communities across our nation and the world.” — Congressman Kevin Mullin
Moving forward in 2025
The arrival of a new Congress is a welcome opportunity to continue working with and building legislative champions for carbon removal. Carbon180 will continue to work with members of Congress in both chambers to advance policy priorities across pathways to support a high-accountability carbon-removing future.
