Orphan well, carbon capture regulations top energy reform group’s legislative wish list Texas Standard
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. Read more: Commission Shift statement on CCUS.
Texas CCUS Map (vApr2021)
Map Source: Baker Institute
A new educational and empowerment tool for Texas communities facing carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure buildout is now available. The tool’s ArcGIS maps allow users to visualize where legacy wells, drinking water resources, and hazardous pipelines are located, as well as where historic incidents have occurred. The tool also features stories of CCS projects in the Permian Basin and along the Gulf Coast, and includes additional information on the history of CCS buildout and ways to take action to prevent CCS projects from jeopardizing our communities and our environment.
Access the tool here
Commission Shift is pleased to announce that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has responded to our petition, committing to a thorough review of the Railroad Commission of Texas’ (RRC’s) implementation of their Class II Underground Injection Control (UIC) program. The EPA’s UIC program is intended to protect underground sources of drinking water. This critical step marks a milestone in our ongoing efforts to ensure the protection of Texas’ water resources and the health and safety of our communities.
Read the full press release here______
Orphan well, carbon capture regulations top energy reform group’s legislative wish list Texas Standard
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Earthquakes and blowouts undermine case for carbon storage in Texas Reuters
Texas carbon storage projects are in flux as Trump promises federal budget cuts Houston Chronicle
Leaked memo details $100M emergency request to address Texas oil well blowouts, contamination Houston ChronicleNewsweek
Chronic failures in Texas’ management of oil & gas wells raise alarms about the state’s request to run carbon capture Oil & Gas Watch
The largest carbon capture project in the U.S. could be in West Texas. Do residents want it? The Texas Tribune
Carbon capture hurts Texas communities and taxpayers Austin American-Statesman
Big Oil to Benefit From Biden’s Carbon Capture Tax Credits: Report Common Dreams
Ranchers reported abandoned oil wells spewing wastewater. A new study blames fracking. Inside Climate NewsThe Texas Tribune
Texas Railroad Commission wants authority over dangerous and experimental carbon capture wells Houston Chronicle
Texas opens more coastal waters for carbon storage wells The Texas Tribune
Texas energy regulator defends ‘perfect record’ after federal probe Energy Wire
EPA probe of Texas oil wells could stymie carbon capture industry Energy Wire
EPA to review Texas oversight of oil, gas wastewater disposal wells Reuters
Companies Are Poised to Inject Millions of Tons of Carbon Underground. Will It Stay Put? Inside Climate News
Wake-Up Call: Texas faces water contamination threat from injection well mismanagement
Carbon capture lets Big Oil off the hook. We’re footing the bill. Houston Chronicle
Orphan Wells Interview featuring Commission Shift’s Paige Powell KPFT Houston
As Federal Money Flows to Carbon Capture and Storage, Texas Bets on an Undersea Bonanza Inside Climate News
Zombie Wells, Part 3: Sinkholes near old Texas oil wells may signal issues in climate change fight Houston Chronicle
Congressmen to EPA: Don’t Trust Texas to Oversee Carbon Storage Bloomberg News
Texas Aims To Take Charge Of Carbon Capture Projects Law 360
Occidental Seeks Texas Property Tax Abatements to Help Finance its Long-Shot Plan for Removing Carbon Dioxide From the Atmosphere Inside Climate News
Railroad Commission of Texas Should Not Be in Charge of Overseeing Carbon Sequestration
We need you to speak out for reform at the Railroad Commission!
