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. Read more: Commission Shift statement on CCUS.

Texas CCUS Map (vApr2021)
Map Source: Baker Institute

New Carbon Capture and Storage Resource Hub for Texas Communities

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