Manchin, Capito Announce Key Progress in Carbon Storage Permitting for West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WV News) — Sens. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., announced a significant milestone in advancing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology in West Virginia.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed granting the state “Class VI primacy,” which would empower the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) to oversee and administer permits for Class VI wells. These wells are vital infrastructure for injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) into deep rock formations, a critical component of CCS projects.

If finalized, the move would streamline the permitting process, allowing project developers to apply directly to WVDEP rather than navigating federal approvals through the EPA. The change promises to accelerate the deployment of CCS projects while maintaining stringent safety standards.

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“West Virginia has always been at the forefront of deploying cutting-edge energy technologies,” said Joe Manchin, chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. “CCS will strengthen our energy security, create high-paying jobs, and reduce emissions. Ensuring these wells can be approved quickly and safely by WVDEP experts who know our state best is key to realizing this goal. I’m glad the state and the EPA have collaborated on this important initiative and look forward to seeing it finalized as quickly as possible.”

Shelley Moore Capito, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, emphasized the benefits of state-level management. “After too long of a delay, it is welcome news that EPA has taken this step towards granting West Virginia the authority we need to properly implement carbon capture technology,” Capito said. “I have frequently said that the states are better suited than Washington to carry out this authority and get these projects up and running. Carbon capture, use, and storage is essential to protecting our ability to provide reliable, baseload power in West Virginia through coal and natural gas, while reducing our power and manufacturing sector emissions. I look forward to the swift finalization of this authority and its enactment in our state.”

Supporting Carbon Capture Technologies

Both senators have championed carbon capture technologies and state-level permitting authority for years. Manchin has prioritized CCS by expanding the federal 45Q tax credit for carbon capture projects, securing additional funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and bolstering EPA resources to expedite Class VI well approvals. He also played a pivotal role in initiatives to delegate permitting authority to states.

Capito has similarly advocated for granting West Virginia primacy for Class VI wells. In May 2023, she introduced legislation to simplify the state primacy application process, and in November 2023, she urged the EPA to expedite its decisions and allocate funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for CCUS initiatives.