Kenn County Council approves carbon burial plan, environmental group questions_2

In an effort to combat greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, the innovative approach of capturing carbon dioxide using technology and storing it underground could serve as a viable solution to mitigate climate change. Recently, the Kern County board in California approved the state’s first plan for underground carbon sequestration. However, many environmentalists are voicing concerns, arguing that this could lead to increased air pollution and pose safety risks.

According to a report from CalMatters, this marks a significant development in the “Carbon Terra Vault” initiative, which will be executed by California Resources Corp. The project aims to capture millions of tons of carbon dioxide and inject it into a vast oil and gas field located south of Buttonwillow, on the western side of the San Joaquin Valley. The Newsom administration recognizes that carbon capture and storage technologies are essential for California’s climate change mitigation efforts, highlighting their integral role in the state’s greenhouse gas reduction plan over the next 20 years.

The proposal has generated considerable controversy, drawing a large crowd to a meeting held in Bakersfield on the 21st. Community members and environmental activists expressed serious concerns about potential air pollution and questioned the safety of injecting carbon dioxide underground. Ileana Navarro from the Central California Environmental Justice Network stated that the initiative could create incentives for further air pollution, suggesting that air quality in Kern County would worsen rather than improve.

On the other hand, representatives from the oil industry argue that the plan could significantly enhance the local economy. Francisco Leon, CEO of California Resources Corp., emphasized that the initiative would decrease carbon emissions while also preserving high-paying jobs, presenting a dual benefit for the community.

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

The construction of the carbon capture facility is expected to take about two years, while the pipeline construction should take approximately one year. Experts assert that Kern County’s location is crucial, as the San Joaquin Valley is an ideal site for carbon storage. California Resources Corp. noted that this is the first permit granted by the EPA for depleted oil and gas fields in the nation, marking a significant milestone.