Summary/Abstract
This paper focuses on one commonly-discussed ocean carbon dioxide removal approach, ocean alkalinity enhancement (“OAE”), which involves adding alkaline substances to ocean waters in order to increase their ability to uptake carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. OAE also has the potential to mitigate ocean acidification, which has been worsening globally due to climate change, and has threatened marine life and industries in places like Washington State.
There is significant interest in pursuing OAE off the coast of Washington state. This paper examines the legal framework for OAE projects in Washington State. As we explain, OAE projects conducted in near-shore areas off Washington’s coast may be regulated under various environmental and other laws adopted at the local, tribal, state, and federal levels.