Utah Advances as a Prominent Player in Regulating Carbon Capture Due to EPA Approval
The state of Utah has made significant strides in its carbon policy efforts, as the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the first Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Plan in Utah. This approval is a crucial step towards Utah's pursuit of EPA primacy for Class VI carbon sequestration, while continuing to regulate Class II wells as defined by statute (H.B. 204, 2022).
The MRV Plan, developed by the Energy and Geoscience Institute (EGI) at the University of Utah in partnership with CoolSky Energy Solutions LLC, is for Class II underground injection control (UIC) wells at the Lisbon Valley Gas Plant near Moab. The operation of these wells under this framework is expected to reduce pollution and protect the natural and cultural landscapes of southern Utah.
The EPA's approval aligns with both state and national climate goals, and underscores Utah's growing role in advancing innovative carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) strategies. The operation of the Lisbon Valley Gas Plant under a transparent monitoring framework, as allowed by the approved MRV Plan, is a significant milestone in this regard.
Industry stakeholders, such as David Bullion, Chief Technology Advisor at American Helium, have highlighted the significance of this decision. The approval enhances the value of American Helium's holdings within the Paradox Basin, as the project meets the standards of the Clean Air Act, qualifying it for the federal 45Q tax credit.
The MRV Plan was designed by a multidisciplinary team at the University of Utah, including Professors Brian McPherson, Nathan Moodie, Ting Xiao, Eric Edelman, and Dr. Kevin McCormack, along with the Carbon Science Initiative group. EGI's Professor Brian McPherson called the approval a "landmark achievement."
The Global CCS Institute's mid-year review is a recognition of Utah's progress in advancing CCUS strategies. The review emphasizes positive policy moves towards carbon capture, utilization, and storage, and also notes Utah's carbon policy moves in relation to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) net-zero mandate.
The University of Utah is highlighted as a leader in advancing the nation's goals for responsible carbon management. The approval of the MRV Plan for Class II UIC wells at the Lisbon Valley Gas Plant is a testament to the university's commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
The current head of the Climate Change division at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is not directly named in the provided search results. However, the EPA's review and approval of the Lisbon Valley MRV Plan was conducted in line with 40 CFR Part 98, Subpart RR of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program.
In conclusion, the approval of the MRV Plan for Class II UIC wells at the Lisbon Valley Gas Plant in Utah marks a significant step forward in the state's carbon policy efforts. This milestone underscores Utah's growing role in advancing innovative CCUS strategies and its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
