BIO-SCALE Act

This bill directs the Secretary of Commerce, through the Economic Development Administration, to set up at least 3 regional, nonprofit, open-access facilities where companies and researchers can test and scale up processes that make chemicals, fuels, and materials from biological sources. Nonprofits, foundations, and colleges based in the United States could compete for planning and implementation grants or cooperative agreements to design, build, and run the facilities. The Secretary would give preference to proposals near major feedstock sources, in areas with existing bioindustrial activity, and in regions needing infrastructure, especially rural areas. The bill authorizes $345 million for fiscal years 2026 through 2028 and $117 million for fiscal years 2029 through 2030, requires yearly reports to Congress, and ends the authority to establish and operate facilities after 10 years unless the Secretary allows a facility to continue.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• James R. Baird Republican sponsor
• 2 cosponsors