US Forest Service Proposes Allowing Carbon Capture Projects on National Forest Land
The U.S. Forest Service’s Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Proposal
The U.S. Forest Service has recently put forward a proposed rule that would allow carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects on national forest land. This move comes as the Biden administration aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% before 2030, with carbon capture playing a crucial role in their climate strategy.
Supporting the Administration’s Climate Goals
The proposed rule seeks to amend existing Forest Service regulations by granting “exclusive and perpetual use” of national forest land and the underlying pore space for approved CCS projects. The Forest Service argues that authorizing such projects on forest land would align with the administration’s climate goals.
Environmental Concerns and Opposition
However, some environmental groups have raised concerns and opposition to the proposed rule, claiming that it would lead to the privatization of public land. Jim Walsh, policy director of the environmental group Food & Water Watch, asserts that “our nation’s forests should not be a dumping ground for polluters.”
Challenges Faced by CCS Projects
CCS projects in the United States have encountered obstacles in securing access to suitable geological storage sites for long-term carbon dioxide sequestration. For instance, a permit application from Summit Carbon Solutions, a company aiming to store up to 18 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in North Dakota, was denied due to concerns regarding its impact on residents and the environment. Similarly, Navigator CO2 Ventures faced difficulties garnering support from landowners for its CCS pipeline project in Illinois, leading to its cancellation.
Despite these challenges, the Forest Service’s proposed rule aims to provide a pathway for CCS projects on national forest land, supporting the administration’s climate objectives. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this proposal will impact the future of carbon capture initiatives in the United States.
