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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
07:32
Monitoring Pedogenic Inorganic Carbon Accumulation Due to Weathering of Amended Silicate Minerals in Agricultural Soils.
Published on: June 4, 2021
Regulating the geological sequestration of CO2.
Elizabeth J Wilson1, M Granger Morgan, Jay Apt
1University of Minnesota, USA.
Environmental Science & Technology
|May 24, 2008
Summary
Governments should incentivize early carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects to develop a robust regulatory framework. Proper oversight and long-term liability management are crucial for the safe, rapid global deployment of CCS technology to mitigate climate change.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Climate Change Mitigation
- Geological Sequestration
Background:
- Urgent need for CO2 emission reductions to combat climate change.
- Geological Sequestration (GS) is a key technology for deep CO2 capture.
- Existing regulatory frameworks require adaptation for large-scale GS deployment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline essential elements for a mature, internationally harmonized regulatory framework for GS.
- To emphasize the need for government incentives and robust oversight for early GS projects.
- To address the critical importance of managing health, safety, and environmental risks associated with GS.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing regulations in the EU, Australia, Canada, and the U.S. for potential modifications.
- Proposal for an institutional mechanism (e.g., Federal Carbon Sequestration Commission) to gather data and inform regulatory development.
- Analysis of requirements for structuring long-term liability and post-closure care funding.
Main Results:
- Health, safety, and environmental risks of early GS projects can be managed by adapting current regulations.
- An adaptive regulatory framework requires data from early projects, industrial organization insights, and climate regime considerations.
- National-level mechanisms are likely needed for long-term liability and post-closure care.
Conclusions:
- Government incentives are vital for initial large-scale GS projects to build a knowledge base for regulation.
- A single major accident due to inadequate oversight could jeopardize the future of GS and climate goals.
- Swift and correct implementation of GS regulation is urgent given the escalating climate crisis.
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