Pennsylvania’s Efforts to Attract and Approve Carbon Capture Wells Gain Momentum

The Pennsylvania state Senate took a significant step on Tuesday by passing legislation aimed at bolstering the state’s efforts to attract carbon capture projects and facilitate federally-funded hydrogen hubs. The bill, crafted by Republicans, sets forth a regulatory framework for overseeing underground wells used to store carbon dioxide, a key element in carbon capture and removal technology aimed at mitigating climate change.

With a vote of 30-20, the bill received a mixed response from both Republicans and Democrats and now moves to the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives for further consideration.

Proponents of the legislation argue that attracting carbon capture projects to Pennsylvania is vital for the development of two hydrogen hubs recently designated by the Biden administration. These hubs, located in southwestern Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia region, are part of a broader $7 billion federal initiative aimed at advancing hydrogen fuel production and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Senator Gene Yaw, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized the proactive nature of the legislation, framing it as a strategic move to position Pennsylvania as a hub for carbon capture and sequestration. He underscored the importance of reducing carbon emissions while maintaining the reliability of the state’s electric grid.

According to Yaw, a previous state study indicated that Pennsylvania has the capacity to store a significant amount of carbon dioxide underground, equivalent to the annual emissions of 500 million gas-powered vehicles.

However, critics of the bill have raised concerns about the absence of safeguards, including provisions to hold companies accountable for leaks or water contamination, protect landowners from coercive contracts with well operators, and ensure sufficient state staffing for regulatory enforcement. There are also apprehensions about the potential proliferation of pipelines associated with carbon capture wells, which could disrupt communities.

Opponents have also questioned the efficacy of carbon capture as a climate solution, arguing that it could prolong the reliance on fossil fuels without addressing the root causes of climate change.

Democratic Senator Katie Muth voiced skepticism during the floor debate, cautioning against placing undue emphasis on carbon capture as the centerpiece of climate action.

Meanwhile, the administration of Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro has indicated its intention to seek authority from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue permits for carbon storage wells. This move aims to expedite approvals for new projects and enhance efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Although the EPA currently oversees permitting for carbon storage wells in most states, there is growing interest among states to take on this responsibility, citing potential benefits for accelerating climate mitigation efforts.

Despite increased federal incentives and grants for carbon capture projects, the pace of approvals remains relatively slow, with only a limited number of projects operational and approved wells to date.