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Carbon Capture, Use, and Storage

Carbon Capture, Use, and Storage

As interest grows in carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) as a way to reduce carbon pollution in the atmosphere, Commission Shift is dubious about the possibility of the Railroad Commission, the state oil and gas agency, regulating carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines or injection wells in Texas. The Railroad Commission has sought approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate Class VI CO2 injection wells, which are a key part of the CCUS process, and are supposed to ensure the greenhouse gas emissions remain permanently sequestered underground. Based on the commission’s poor track record of protecting air, water and land, we are opposing the Railroad Commission’s request for “primacy” to be the sole permitting and regulatory authority in Texas for Class VI wells.

Many Texas communities along the Gulf Coast, the Eagle Ford Shale, and the Permian Basin are predominantly people of color, low income, and/or are already overburdened by pollution from heavy industrial activity and poor state oversight. Environmental justice communities in Texas will continue to be disproportionately affected by CCUS approaches, and our communities’ concerns and proposals deserve serious consideration.

Texas CCUS Map (vApr2021)
Map Source: Baker Institute

05.01.2023 Media Coverage

EPA proposal advances La. bid to oversee CO2 wells Energy Wire

04.21.2023 Videos

Orphaned Well Video Series

04.17.2023 Media Coverage

Why injecting CO2 underground is a legal morass Energy Wire

04.10.2023 The Workover Blog

Carbon Capture Awareness Month

03.15.2023 The Workover Blog

Energy Mini-Summit in ATX

03.06.2023 The Workover Blog    Videos   

Community Conversations: Waste Pits

02.10.2023 The Workover Blog    Videos   

Legacy sulfur well in Pecos County

02.01.2023 Media Coverage

Texas Oilfield Waste Company Contributed $53,750 to Regulators Overseeing a Controversial Permit Application Beaumont EnterpriseHouston ChronicleInside Climate NewsSan Antonio Express-NewsThe Texas Tribune

10.20.2022 Testimonies

Committee on Environmental Regulation Public Hearing CBS 7 Midland

02.10.2021 Reports

Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells