CARBON CAPTURE: THE 2026 REALITY CHECK
As federal rules shift, the promise of capturing CO2 faces its biggest regulatory and legal test yet.
EPA DEREGULATION: A MASSIVE SHIFT
The repeal of the 2009 Endangerment Finding has stripped the EPA of its primary tool to mandate CO2 cuts.
THE CLASS VI WELL LOGJAM
Over 175 applications for carbon storage wells are stuck in a federal backlog, stalling billions in investment.
TEXAS TAKES THE REINS
Texas recently won 'primacy,' meaning the state—not the EPA—now approves its own carbon storage sites.
THE COMING LEGAL STORM
Environmental groups are suing to block the rollback, citing a 'complete dereliction' of public health duties.
SAFETY CONCERNS LINGER
Critics worry that faster state approvals might overlook risks of CO2 leaks into drinking water aquifers.
THE $85 PER TON STAKES
Federal 45Q tax credits remain high, but projects can't cash in without a valid injection permit.
WORLD'S LARGEST DAC PLANT
Occidental’s Stratos facility in Texas is the benchmark for whether massive carbon removal can actually scale.
COMMUNITY TRUST GAP
Local opposition is rising. 75% of European projects faced pushback over safety and land use concerns.
THE TECHNICAL BOTTLENECK
CO2 is corrosive in water. Maintaining 29,000 miles of new pipeline infrastructure is a massive engineering feat.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR CARBON?
With federal oversight fading, the future of U.S. climate policy rests on state courts and private markets.