Sierra Club California has filed a lawsuit against Kern County in California, challenging the approval of a large-scale carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) project, known as the Carbon TerraVault I project.
Environmental groups argue that the county failed to conduct a thorough environmental review and consider alternative solutions.
The lawsuit alleges that the county did not adequately assess the potential sources of carbon dioxide for the Carbon TerraVault project, raising concerns that it may extend the life of fossil fuel industries rather than truly reducing emissions.
The plaintiffs also highlight the risks of CO2 leaks, particularly in a seismically active area like the Elk Hills Oil Field.
“CRC is presenting Carbon TerraVault I as a ‘climate solution,’ but it’s really a trojan horse — one filled with dangerous, high-pressure pipelines and unacceptable pollution risks for communities already bearing California’s heaviest air quality burden,” stated Senior Organizer Mercedes Aguilar with plaintiff the Sierra Club.
Relevant: Kern County Board Approves Carbon TerraVault I Project
The county and the project developer, California Resources Corp. (CRC), maintain that the project has undergone a rigorous environmental review and that the risks of CO2 leaks are minimal.
They argue that the project will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and support the local economy.
The lawsuit seeks to overturn the county’s approval of the project, highlighting the ongoing debate about the role of CCS in addressing climate change and the need for careful environmental assessment of such projects.
Read more: Colorado School Of Mines And Carbon TerraVault Awarded $8.9M For CarbonSAFE Project
