California approves project to store carbon dioxide underground

Kern County supervisors approved California’s first carbon capture and storage project, aiming to inject millions of tons of CO2 underground, despite concerns about its environmental impact and connection to the fossil fuel industry.

Alejandro Lazo reports for CalMatters.

In short:

• The project will capture and store CO2 from oil and gas fields in the San Joaquin Valley to reduce emissions.
• Community members raised concerns about air pollution and extending the life of fossil fuels in a state pushing for decarbonization.
• The project is part of California’s broader strategy to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.

Key quote:

“Carbon Terra Vault will incentivize new polluting infrastructure throughout Kern County. This will not clean our air.”

— Ileana Navarro, Central California Environmental Justice Network

Why this matters:

Carbon capture is a key piece of California’s climate goals, but critics argue it could lock in fossil fuel infrastructure while posing risks to local communities and wildlife.