posted on Monday, November 19, 2007 4:41 PM by Gunnar Birgisson

EPA Rulemaking Will Provide Guidelines for Underground CO2 Storage

The Environmental Protection Agency has announced it is preparing a rulemaking to develop guidelines for permanent underground storage of carbon dioxide.  Underground sequestration of carbon may be a valuable tool for combating climate change, as it complements usage of fossil fuels such as coal that are widely available but also relatively high in carbon content.  The potential success of carbon sequestration and storage, however, depends on resolution of numerous technological challenges, including means for separating out the carbon from fossil fuels and transporting it to and storing it in secure underground locations.

The EPA will evaluate the potential impact of underground carbon storage on health, safety and the environment, including underground sources of drinking water.  The agency stated that rules are needed to determine what parties have responsibility and liability for storage of carbon dioxide.  The EPA’s timeline is unlikely to provide much near-term guidance, as its proposed rules would appear in mid-2008 and final rules not until 2010 or later.  The proposed rules will not address the high-profile issue of who would get credit for any reductions in carbon emissions related to reduced emissions or underground storage of CO2.