Oklahoma is taking the first step towards making it easier for businesses to apply for carbon sequestration permits on a state level, instead of with the federal government.
A bill was signed by Governor Kevin Slitt that, according to House of Representatives Energy Chair and House bill sponsor Brad Boles, will earn a carbon sequestration delegation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In a news release, Secretary Ken McQueen said: “This legislative action sets in motion a review of the Oklahoma Carbon Capture and Geologic Sequestration Act that was adopted in 2009 and requires a report on recommended changes or statutory adjustments that are needed as we move forward in the delegation process.”
A stakeholders meeting will be held by the Oklahoma Department for Energy and Environment on July 14, McQueen added.
The state is already also working towards doubling down on the production of blue hydrogen after joining Louisiana and Arkansas in the first half of 2022 in the creation of a regional hydrogen hub.
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The project known as the “HALO Hydrogen Hub” is looking to secure up to $1.25 billion in grants from the $7 billion included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill.
All three states filed another application with the Department of Energy (DOE) in December last year, with the final decision for this and up to 10 more hubs expected to come in the latter half of this year.
“With this legislation, Oklahoma agencies will be better suited and better equipped to quickly respond to growing interest in carbon sequestration within the state,” Stitt said.
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