Kenn County Council approves carbon burial plan, environmental group questions_1

In an effort to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, using technology to capture carbon dioxide and store it underground may serve as a viable solution to mitigate climate change. On October 21, the Kern County Council in California approved the state’s first plan for underground carbon storage. However, many environmentalists are concerned that this could lead to increased air pollution and may pose safety risks.

According to CalMatters, this marks a significant development for the “Carbon Terra Vault” project, which will be executed by California Resources Corporation. The initiative aims to capture millions of tons of carbon dioxide, injecting it into a vast oil and gas field located on the western side of the San Joaquin Valley, south of Buttonwillow. The Newsom administration recognizes the importance of carbon capture and storage technology in California’s climate change efforts, as it will play a crucial role in the state’s action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next 20 years.

The project is highly controversial, drawing a large crowd at a meeting held in Bakersfield on the 21st. Community members and environmental advocates expressed deep concerns regarding potential air pollution and the safety of injecting carbon dioxide underground. Ileana Navarro from the Central California Environmental Justice Network stated that this initiative would provide another incentive for air pollution, making Kern County’s air dirtier instead of cleaner.

In contrast, representatives from the oil industry argue that the project could significantly boost the local economy. Francisco Leon, CEO of California Resources Corporation, emphasized that this plan could reduce carbon emissions while preserving high-paying jobs, offering a win-win for the region.

Before construction officially begins, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must give its final approval for the project. Earlier this year, the agency granted the company preliminary permits to construct four carbon dioxide wells, and the company is seeking to build two additional wells.

Building the carbon capture facility is expected to take about two years, while the construction of pipelines will take approximately one year. Experts highlight that Kern County’s location is particularly critical, as the San Joaquin Valley is an ideal site for carbon storage. California Resources Corporation pointed out that this is the first EPA permit issued in the nation for depleted oil and gas fields, marking a new milestone.