Carbon capture and storage is often discussed as part of a broader portfolio of solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
While it is not a panacea, experts believe it will play a crucial role in reducing emissions from industries that currently have limited alternatives.
Simone Stewart, senior industry policy specialist in the National Wildlife Federation’s climate and energy program, emphasized the importance of the technology in states like Louisiana.
“Especially in Louisiana, because it has such a robust fossil infrastructure,” Stewart stressed. “That’s something people are concerned about; the continued existence of these emissions-intensive industries.”
Stewart argued that adopting carbon capture technology offers a way to continue economic activity while addressing growing concerns about climate change. Still, it’s a complex issue. There are concerns about the continued use of fossil fuels and the environmental justice issues that have historically affected many communities in the state.
The National Wildlife Federation sees carbon capture as only one piece of the puzzle. The organization stressed that while the technology has its place, it is not about maintaining the status quo.
“These necessary industries, which also make up a large part of the state economy, and do so in a way that is clean and does not contribute to the climate crisis, these are all tools we should explore,” Stewart said.
As the state seeks to balance its economic interests with its environmental responsibilities, technology could play a crucial role in shaping its future. However, the debate about its long-term impacts, both positive and negative, is still ongoing.
Louisiana’s path forward will likely require careful consideration of how best to integrate carbon capture with other sustainable practices to ensure economic and environmental benefits are maximized without compromising community well-being.
Disclosure: The National Wildlife Federation donates to our fund for coverage of climate change/air quality, endangered species and wildlife, energy policy, and water. If you would like to help us support news in the public interest, click here.
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The fight against the effects of climate change in Illinois is receiving further support.
As part of the Biden administration’s pollution reduction plan, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will provide $430 million to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant will also accelerate clean energy adoption and bolster workforce training.
Angela Xu, community representative for the Illinois Environmental Council, said the grant is another step forward for Illinois’ clean energy progress.
“We’ve made really significant progress on our climate and equity goals thanks to the passage of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) in 2021,” Xu emphasized. “We see a lot of potential federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. It helps us double down on the great progress we’re seeing and secure a more equitable, affordable and healthier future for all Illinoisans.”
Xu said the grant supports projects in construction and industry, decarbonization, freight, electrification, climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy. In total, $4 billion in federal funds were distributed to 25 state, local and tribal entities. All grant recipients must submit a comprehensive climate action plan to the federal government in 2026.
According to the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, about two-thirds of emissions in northeastern Illinois come from buildings, in the form of electricity or natural gas used for heating and cooking. The funding supports the switch to electric appliances, heating and cooling, building equipment and more.
Xu noted that other areas would also benefit from the grant.
“The funding complements the workforce development programs already established by CEJA,” Xu said. “The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and the federal Inflation Reduction Act work together to bring historic climate investments to our communities, with special attention to low-income and disadvantaged communities across the state that most need clean air, affordable energy, and clean energy jobs.”
About $172 million will be allocated to decarbonize Illinois’ buildings, which currently account for nearly 70% of Chicago’s carbon footprint. Another $115 million is earmarked for electrifying Illinois’ transportation sector to strengthen infrastructure and spur the purchase of electric trucks. More than $3 million is earmarked for a data collection and analytics program at a freight hub.
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Ohio is moving to the center of the fight against climate change, thanks in part to its industrial strength and growing interest in carbon capture technologies.
As the state seeks to balance its economic needs with environmental responsibilities, the use and storage of carbon capture is becoming an important tool. Critics of carbon capture raise concerns that it could prolong the use of fossil fuels.
Simone Stewart, senior industrial policy specialist in the National Wildlife Federation’s climate and energy program, said in developed states like Ohio, technology will play an important role in curbing the impacts of carbon dioxide emissions.
“Their economies have a large industrial component, but at the same time we want to do something about climate change and address the climate crisis,” Stewart stresses. “We can’t keep emitting CO2, so this gives us an alternative path.”
Ohio’s heavy industry, particularly in manufacturing and raw materials, is both a strength and a challenge. Stewart acknowledged that the emissions generated in the production processes make it difficult to decarbonize the sectors. However, using and storing carbon offers a way to reduce environmental impact while maintaining industrial productivity.
Stewart pointed out that carbon capture is more than an industrial solution. It is also about protecting wildlife and preserving natural habitats. The National Wildlife Federation is very aware of this connection, she said. She stressed the importance of considering the ecological impacts of industrial activities.
“As we protect the economy and think about the impacts of infrastructure development on conservation and ecology, it has become very important to us as an association and particularly as a climate team to be part of these conversations,” Stewart added.
Private energy company Tenaska is building a Tri-State Carbon Capture and Storage Hub to serve industrial customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Disclosure: The National Wildlife Federation donates to our fund for coverage of climate change/air quality, endangered species and wildlife, energy policy, and water. If you would like to help us support news in the public interest, click here.
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New York and the nation have seen profound impacts since the Inflation Reduction Act passed two years ago. New York received $34 billion from the IRA for large-scale clean energy generation and storage. In addition to funds to expand the state’s clean energy sources, funding was also provided for homeowners to make their homes climate efficient.
Actress Yetide Badaki believes that passing the law will create a just climate future.
“To achieve equity, we must find solutions and advocate for environmental justice for all. The Inflation Reduction Act’s focus on environmental justice and equity for the regions is historic and puts us on that path,” Badaki said.
With storm damage increasing, conservation communities are a priority across New York State. This year, an estimated $23 billion in damage was caused in the state by “billion-dollar disasters.” Although New York City is a center of concentrated conservation communities, they can be found throughout the state. IRA funds are made available to homeowners across the state to prepare their homes for severe storm impacts.
Many elected officials see the Inflation Reduction Act as a way to make the United States energy independent. Generating energy from wind, solar, and other renewable sources means less dependence on other countries to meet national energy needs.
Alex Cornell du Houx, president of Elected Officials to Protect America, said this would benefit national and global security.
“The United States produces a significant amount of oil and gas, but it can never supply the entire world, and that infrastructure is extremely vulnerable, as we saw in Ukraine. So to ensure our energy security, we need to move away from oil and gas. It’s that simple,” he said.
He added that the IRA’s clean energy funds could reduce the influence of groups like the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The war between Russia and Ukraine has made energy independence a growing concern. According to the World Population Review, the United States imported 405,000 barrels of oil from Russia in December 2021.
Disclosure: Elected Officials to Protect America donates to our fund for coverage of climate change/air quality, energy policy, public lands/wilderness. If you would like to help us support news in the public interest, click here.
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