MIKE WOODARD: Carbon capture initiatives are key to achieving climate goals

North Carolina businesses play a critical role in driving economic growth and job creation. As a state senator I understand the need to recognize that and know that I have a responsibility to address the pressing issue of climate change. I am committed to doing the work needed to reduce our carbon footprint.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Mike Woodard has represented Durham in the NC Senate for six terms where he is a Democrat and serves on the Agriculture, Energy, and Environment Committee.

Many of the major industries working in North Carolina rely on the use of fossil fuels. For us, moving toward a carbon-neutral future will not happen rapidly. Thankfully, there are now solutions to reduce harmful emissions in the meantime while we progress towards our end goal of decarbonization.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) initiatives have been a hopeful solution that can move us towards both environmental sustainability and economic prosperity. When we capture carbon dioxide emissions before they are released into the atmosphere and bury them deep underground, we can keep the planet safe and healthy while preserving jobs and economic growth in key industries. Carbon capture and storage technologies are a key part in reaching our climate goals.

We also have the opportunity to spur innovation and drive economic growth with these initiatives. As the demand for carbon capture technology increases, there will be chances for businesses to develop and commercialize innovative solutions. I know that carbon capture is not the ultimate solution for or climate problem, but we need to use every solution we can to combat climate change.

We must support both capture and storage technology to make sure we keep the carbon byproduct out of the atmosphere. This technology will help the important industries in North Carolina as they transition to a carbon-neutral future.

I am impressed by President Joseph Biden’s commitment to carbon capture and storage. This administration has invested $2.5 billion for our country’s carbon dioxide management and removal industry. Investing in these technologies is a big step forward but will not be effective in reducing environmental harm unless we store the carbon dioxide. We need to streamline the regulatory system of approving new carbon capture and storage projects.  So far only two states have received primacy to oversee their own projects and four others are in waiting for approval.  Many CCS wells are currently awaiting permit approval.  We cannot make the most of this investment unless the Environmental Protection Agency speeds up approval for federal permits for carbon capture projects.

The Biden Administration has made clear that CCS must be part of our climate change solution by investing in the right tools. The EPA must allow us to build on this momentum by getting rid of the roadblocks and accelerating CCS permit and primacy approval.

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