Carbon Capture and Sequestration

This chapter examines U.S. laws applicable to carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) and identifies reforms that will be necessary for CCS to operate as a viable greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions control strategy domestically. In the U.S., few, if any, new coal-fired power plants are some have been designed to facilitate economical retrofitting. In September 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed rule to limit GHG emissions from use of CCS at some new plants. President Obama has directed EPA to propose a rule by 2014 to limit GHG emissions from existing plants. U.S. policy on CCS is potentially critical to its adoption as an emissions control strategy in other countries, as well. Adoption of CCS by high GHG-emitting countries such as China and India may require effective demonstration of both the capture technology and sequestration at commercial scale in the U.S. China has taken steps towards developing CCS technology, but more widespread adoption of CCS globally may be facilitated or accelerated by its development at commercial scale in the U.S