In an effort to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, technological methods to capture carbon dioxide and store it underground may provide a viable solution to combat climate change. Recently, the Kern County Board approved California’s first underground carbon sequestration project. However, many environmentalists are concerned that this initiative could lead to increased air pollution and safety risks.
According to CalMatters, this marks a significant advancement for the “Carbon Terra Vault” project, which will be implemented by California Resources Corporation. The plan aims to capture millions of tons of CO2 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 technology is crucial for California’s climate change response efforts and will play a key role in the state’s greenhouse gas reduction strategy over the next twenty years.
The project has sparked considerable controversy, highlighted by a recent meeting in Bakersfield that drew a large crowd. Community members and environmental advocates expressed serious concerns about the potential for air pollution and questioned the safety of injecting carbon dioxide underground. Ileana Navarro of the Central California Environmental Justice Network stated that the project could create another source of air pollution, worsening air quality in Kern County rather than improving it.
Conversely, representatives from the oil industry argue that the project could significantly boost the local economy. Francisco Leon, CEO of California Resources Corporation, pointed out that this initiative could reduce carbon emissions while preserving high-paying jobs, offering a dual benefit for the community.
Before formal engineering can begin, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must give final approval for the project. Earlier this year, the agency granted preliminary permits for the construction of four carbon dioxide wells, and the company is seeking permission for two additional wells.
The construction of the carbon capture facility is expected to take about two years, while the pipeline construction will take approximately one year. Experts indicate that Kern County’s location is particularly significant, as the San Joaquin Valley is an ideal site for carbon storage. California Resources Corporation noted that this is the first permit issued by the EPA for a depleted oil and gas field in the nation, marking a new milestone in environmental management.
