Summary/Abstract
In July 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro signed SB 831, or the Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act, into law. The law declares carbon dioxide storage to be in the public interest and provides a regulatory framework for the underground storage of carbon dioxide, where the surface owner has the right to the pore space. It also establishes permitting requirements for carbon sequestration projects and establishes ownership and liability guidelines for CO2 storage. The law sets fees, in an amount to be specified by the Environmental Quality Board, for each ton of CO2 injected for storage. It also creates a Carbon Dioxide Storage Facility Fund to help cover the costs of processing permit applications, regulating storage facilities, and long-term monitoring and management of a closed storage facility. In most cases, the state government assumes primary responsibility and liability for the long-term monitoring and management of stored or injected CO2.