Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Financial Services Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This legislation, known as the BIO-SCALE Act, mandates the establishment of at least three regional, nonprofit, open-access, and product-agnostic technology maturation facilities for the bioindustrial sector. These facilities are designed to provide world-class capabilities for the development, testing, and scaling of technologies related to bio-based chemicals, fuels, and materials. The Secretary of Commerce will oversee a competitive process to award planning and implementation grants to eligible entities for the design, construction, and operation of these facilities. The primary purpose of these facilities is to position the United States as a leader in bioindustrial innovation, enabling participation in groundbreaking projects through state-of-the-art infrastructure. Key selection criteria for facilities include geographical distribution, proximity to major feedstock sources, existing bioindustrial capabilities, and demonstrated need in rural areas. The facilities will focus on advancing technological innovation, strengthening national security by de-risking and accelerating biotechnology scale-up, and enhancing U.S. leadership through economic growth and workforce development. The Secretary is required to submit an implementation plan to Congress, detailing site selection criteria, funding methodologies, and an outreach strategy. The bill also emphasizes coordination with other federal agencies, such as the Departments of Energy and Defense, and private sector stakeholders to maximize impact and ensure financial sustainability. Intellectual property created by federal employees at these facilities will be public domain, while others will be protected under applicable laws. The bill authorizes appropriations of $345 million for fiscal years 2026-2028 and $117 million for fiscal years 2029-2030, with a sunset clause for the program's authority after 10 years, though successful facilities may continue operation.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
BIO-SCALE Act
USA119th CongressHR-8918| House
| Updated: 5/20/2026
This legislation, known as the BIO-SCALE Act, mandates the establishment of at least three regional, nonprofit, open-access, and product-agnostic technology maturation facilities for the bioindustrial sector. These facilities are designed to provide world-class capabilities for the development, testing, and scaling of technologies related to bio-based chemicals, fuels, and materials. The Secretary of Commerce will oversee a competitive process to award planning and implementation grants to eligible entities for the design, construction, and operation of these facilities. The primary purpose of these facilities is to position the United States as a leader in bioindustrial innovation, enabling participation in groundbreaking projects through state-of-the-art infrastructure. Key selection criteria for facilities include geographical distribution, proximity to major feedstock sources, existing bioindustrial capabilities, and demonstrated need in rural areas. The facilities will focus on advancing technological innovation, strengthening national security by de-risking and accelerating biotechnology scale-up, and enhancing U.S. leadership through economic growth and workforce development. The Secretary is required to submit an implementation plan to Congress, detailing site selection criteria, funding methodologies, and an outreach strategy. The bill also emphasizes coordination with other federal agencies, such as the Departments of Energy and Defense, and private sector stakeholders to maximize impact and ensure financial sustainability. Intellectual property created by federal employees at these facilities will be public domain, while others will be protected under applicable laws. The bill authorizes appropriations of $345 million for fiscal years 2026-2028 and $117 million for fiscal years 2029-2030, with a sunset clause for the program's authority after 10 years, though successful facilities may continue operation.
Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better
Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.