Texas has become a key player in the government-subsidized carbon sequestration (CCS) push, with companies seeking to bury carbon dioxide (CO2) in the state’s oilfields as part of efforts to combat climate change. However, concerns are rising about potential risks, such as earthquakes and well blowouts, exacerbated by the state’s struggles with wastewater disposal in the Permian Basin. Activists warn that without stronger oversight, CO2 injection could lead to leaks, sinkholes, and induced earthquakes.
Though CO2 injection has been used for decades with few incidents, the massive scale of proposed projects raises new concerns. The Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offers substantial CCS subsidies, further fueling activity in Texas, where underground geology is considered ideal for CO2 storage. Applications for carbon injection permits in Texas have surged by 63%, making it a national leader in the field.
Yet, the state has faced challenges in managing the environmental impacts of oil and gas activities, including orphan well blowouts and earthquakes triggered by wastewater injection. The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) seeks authority from the EPA to expedite carbon sequestration permitting but faces criticism from landowners and experts, who worry that more oversight is needed.
One major project is the Stratos direct air capture venture in Ector County, Texas, a joint effort between Occidental Petroleum and BlackRock. The project aims to inject 8.5 million metric tons of CO2 annually, despite concerns about nearby orphan wells. Critics fear that CO2 could corrode well plugs and trigger leaks or blowouts, leading to environmental hazards.
While some companies express confidence in CCS technology, experts warn that improper regulation could lead to severe consequences, such as groundwater contamination and increased seismic activity.
Also read: Trump Seeks Dismissal of Defamation Lawsuit from Central Park Five
