Injection and Geologic Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide: Federal Role and Issues for Congress

The article focuses on the efforts of the U.S. federal government to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, with an emphasis on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). This technology captures carbon dioxide at its source and stores it underground to prevent it from reaching the atmosphere. The Department of Energy (DOE) leads federal research and development (R&D) in this field, conducting CCS research and creating public-private partnerships for the development of CO2 injection and storage projects.

The article also discusses the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), which provides a framework for the regulation of underground fluid injection, including CO2 for geologic sequestration. Despite the benefits of CCS, there are several policy challenges, including unresolved liability and property rights issues, high project costs, public acceptance, and potential health and environmental risks not addressed by the SDWA. These factors necessitate a careful balance between the protection of underground water sources and the development of cost-effective CCS technology.