Public Is Safe Under Louisiana Carbon Capture Program, EPA Says

Louisiana’s decision to eventually remove owner liability for carbon capture and storage wells complies with federal drinking water regulations, the EPA told the Fifth Circuit Monday.

The state’s liability transfer statute does not endanger public health because carbon capture and storage (CCS) wells still have to meet federal requirements, including a 50-year monitoring period, before the transfer occurs, according to an Environmental Protection Agency brief filed in the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

“EPA evaluated the Louisiana provision and explained that the provision did not preclude approval of Louisiana’s program because all underground injection control program requirements ...