Pennsylvania accelerates into carbon capture with new legislation

Pennsylvania's government is advancing a controversial plan to capture and store carbon emissions underground, facing criticism over environmental risks and untested technology.

Audrey Carleton reports for Capital & Main.

In short:

• Governor Josh Shapiro signed legislation to promote carbon capture and storage in Pennsylvania, though environmentalists criticize the plan, arguing it overstates benefits and overlooks risks.
• The law sets a new regulatory framework, increasing notification requirements to 75% of landowners for storage sites, and extends state liability for wells from 10 to 50 years after use.
• Some lawmakers and activists fear that carbon capture could repeat issues seen with fracking, including water contamination and inadequate environmental safeguards.

Key quote:

“Declaring a nonexistent technology to be in the public interest defies logic.”

— The Better Path Coalition, a grassroots environmental group

Why this matters:

Carbon capture is part of efforts to reduce emissions, but concerns about safety, effectiveness and potential environmental harm need thorough consideration. Critics argue that relying on unproven technology may distract from more sustainable solutions like renewable energy and stricter emission regulations.

Related EHN coverage:

• Pennsylvania governor signs controversial carbon storage bill into law, paving the way for hydrogen hub
• 30 environmental advocacy groups ask PA governor to veto carbon capture bill