The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is moving too slowly to allow states to permit and oversee carbon-reduction projects, according to Louisiana’s governor, slowing millions of dollars in investments designed to tackle greenhouse gas reduction.
Louisiana and other top oil-producing states say they can speed up permitting of carbon sequestration projects if allowed to handle decisions that currently fall under the EPA. There are dozens of these projects with multi-million dollar price tags proposed by energy firms around the United States.
“Louisiana businesses increasingly need carbon capture strategies to improve their environmental footprints, and a clear, consistent permitting path will give greater confidence to the investment decisions needed to move ahead,” said Charles Fridge, chief executive of Verde CO2, which is developing carbon projects in the state.
“The long-term health and success of our industry hinges on close collaboration with regulators and a sound, well-built permitting process at the state and federal levels,” he said.
Read More – Reuters