POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsKPBS Public MediaAugust 10, 2026San Diego

California operates first commercial carbon-storage project without state-mandated rules

California's first commercial carbon-storage project is currently active despite the state missing a legal deadline to establish governing regulations by 19 months. The project operator stands to potentially receive billions in public incentives while stakeholders remain in dispute over the scope of future regulatory requirements.

carbon captureenvironmental regulationenergy policyclimate change
Read the full story at KPBS Public Media

Why It Matters

The absence of finalized state rules for carbon storage creates uncertainty regarding liability and safety oversight for a project that is eligible for significant public financial incentives.

Key Facts

  • California's first commercial carbon-storage project is currently operational.
  • The state has failed to adopt required rules for carbon storage 19 months past the legal deadline.
  • The project operator is eligible to collect billions of dollars in public incentives.
  • Environmentalists and oil companies are currently in disagreement regarding the necessary scope of future regulations.

Who's Mentioned

organizationBrookfield Asset Management“Investor in the Carbon TerraVault joint venture”personAnna Caballero“State Senator and author of the carbon storage legislation”organizationU.S. Environmental Protection Agency“Federal regulator that approved the injection permits”locationElk Hills“Oil field site of the carbon injection project”organizationCalifornia Resources Corp.“Operator of the Elk Hills carbon storage project”other204“Number of wells identified as potentially piercing the storage seal”other913“Number of oil and gas wells within one mile of injection site”organizationCalifornia Air Resources Board“State regulator responsible for drafting carbon storage rules”organizationCalGEM“State agency regulating oil and gas wells”locationCalifornia“The jurisdiction where the carbon-storage project is located.”personGavin Newsom“Governor of California”locationValley Acres“Community located near the injection site”