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Today, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) posted a list of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) projects as part of implementation of Senate Bill 905 (2022). These technologies are expected to play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) to help the state achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. This nationwide list provides information about projects that may provide valuable insight into how the technology is being developed and deployed.
None of the projects on this list have received CARB certification or Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credits.
The tentative rulemaking schedule for implementing SB 905 will include more opportunities for public engagement and the release of a regulatory framework in early 2026 with the goal for a formal rulemaking package to be made available for public comment in Q2 2026.
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Background
The Legislature passed Assembly Bill 1279 paired with Senate Bill 905 in 2022. These two measures recognize the need to drastically reduce GHGs to achieve carbon neutrality by mid-century to head off the worst impacts of climate change.
AB 1279 establishes the state’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality no later than 2045 and requires CARB to identify and implement policies and strategies that enable carbon dioxide (CO2) removal solutions and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. Specifically, the 2022 Scoping Plan Update identified the critical need for CCUS/CDR in addition to transitioning away from the combustion of fossil fuels across the economy.
SB 905 requires CARB to create the Carbon Capture, Removal, Utilization, and Storage Program to evaluate, demonstrate, and regulate CCUS and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects and technology.
In addition to the list released today, the Carbon Capture, Removal, Utilization, and Storage Program will:
- Evaluate the efficacy, safety, and viability of CCUS and CDR technologies
- Ensure CCUS and CDR projects include specified components including seismic activity and air monitoring, along with other necessary components
- Adopt regulations for financial responsibility for CCUS and CDR projects
- Adopt regulations for a unified permit application for the construction and operation of CCUS and CDR projects to expedite the issuance of permits or other authorizations
CARB expects to release a regulatory framework for public comment in early 2026.
About the Technology
- CCUS is a process by which large amounts of CO2 are captured, compressed, transported, and sequestered.
- CCUS projects are paired with a source of emissions, as the CCUS project captures CO2 as it leaves a facility’s smokestack.
- CCUS projects are often paired with large GHG-emitting facilities such as energy, manufacturing, or fuel production facilities.
- The sequestration component of CCUS includes CO2 injection into geologic formations (such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs and saline formations), as well as use in industrial materials (e.g., concrete).
- CCUS is distinct from biological sequestration, which is typically accomplished through natural and working lands management and conservation practices that enhance the storage of carbon or reduce CO2 emissions with nature-based approaches.
- CCUS is also distinct from mechanical CDR, where CO2 is removed directly from the atmosphere using mechanical and/or chemical processes.
Real and Increasing Costs of Climate Change Impacts for Californians
The science behind climate change is irrefutable. With the increasing severity and frequency of drought, wildfire, extreme heat, and other impacts, Californians just have to look out their windows to know that climate change is real and rapidly getting worse. The impacts once thought decades away are happening now. Recent reports detail some of the impacts to the state:
- A 2024 national report ranked California the worst state for natural disasters fueled by a changing climate, with expected annual losses totaling more than $16 billion statewide.
- Home insurance is harder and more expensive to get. Seven of California’s largest property insurers, State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, USAA, Travelers, Nationwide and Chubb recently limited new homeowners policies in the Golden State — raising questions about the stability of the California home insurance market.
- During an 11-year period, exposure to wildfire smoke caused more than 50,000 deaths in California and more than $400 billion in economic impacts.
- During seven extreme heat events over the past decade, California experienced $7.7 billion in losses.
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