Louisiana issues first draft permit for CO2 storage

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🗞️ Driving the news: Louisiana has issued its first draft Class VI permit for underground carbon dioxide storage, marking a significant milestone since the state received primary permitting authority from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2023
• The permit pertains to the Hackberry Carbon Sequestration project, developed by Sempra Infrastructure, which aims to capture and store CO2 from the Cameron LNG export terminal

🔭 The context: Class VI wells are regulated under the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act and are specifically designed for geologic CO₂ sequestration
• Louisiana is one of only four states with authority to issue these permits independently of the EPA, a move intended to accelerate the deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure
• This approach reflects growing momentum for CCS as a transitional solution in decarbonising industrial and energy sectors

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: If successfully implemented, the Hackberry project could serve as a model for integrating CCS into emissions-intensive LNG operations
• Permanent CO₂ storage plays a key role in most net-zero scenarios, yet large-scale deployment has been hampered by permitting delays and public skepticism
• State-led permitting could accelerate progress, but concerns remain over oversight quality, long-term monitoring, and environmental justice

⏭️ What's next: The draft permit is open for public comment before final approval, with environmental advocates expected to scrutinise the proposal
• If finalized, it would pave the way for more CCS projects in Louisiana and signal broader state-level momentum in the U.S.
• The outcome may influence permitting strategies and regulatory frameworks in other regions seeking to scale up carbon management

💬 One quote: “This is a significant step for Louisiana in advancing carbon capture solutions, but ensuring rigorous oversight will be critical,” – Environmental policy analyst (name withheld)

📈 One stat: Only four U.S. states — Louisiana, North Dakota, Wyoming, and West Virginia — have primary authority to issue Class VI CO₂ storage well permits

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