Ohio House Passes Blasdel, Peterson Carbon Capture Regulation Bill

COLUMBUS - State Representatives Monica Robb Blasdel (R-New Waterford) and Bob Peterson (R-Sabrina) today announced that the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 170, legislation to give the state control over carbon capture regulation.

The bill would give Ohio control over Class VI injection wells, used to store carbon dioxide underground, shifting permitting and oversight from the federal government to the state.

"Today's vote is a major step toward ensuring Ohio is in charge of how this emerging technology is managed within our borders," said Rep. Robb Bladel. "By establishing a state-based regulatory framework, we can make sure these projects are done by Ohioans, for Ohioans-safely, efficiently, and in a way that benefits our communities."

Carbon capture and storage is the process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial sources and safely storing the CO2 deep underground in naturally occurring rock formations. Currently, companies seeking to build these projects must go through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for permits, a process that can take years and discourage investment.

"Federal red tape has held back innovation and job creation in this space for too long," said Rep. Peterson. "House Bill 170 will streamline the process, promote energy security, environmental protection, and ensure Ohio has the tools to attract new projects, jobs, and investment."

Similar legislation has already been enacted in North Dakota, Wyoming, Louisiana, and West Virginia.

House Bill 170 now advances to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.