News Summary
Recent developments in carbon capture initiatives from Exxon Mobil in Texas and Tenaska in Ohio highlight significant investments aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Exxon has secured permits for its storage project in Jefferson County, Texas, while Tenaska announced a $1.1 billion renewable energy project in Jefferson County, Ohio. Both projects are designed to help local industries lower emissions and create job opportunities, despite community concerns regarding safety and environmental impact.
Texas continues to take significant steps in carbon capture and storage technology as Exxon Mobil Corp. has obtained a permit for a carbon capture and storage project in Jefferson County, Texas. This development marks the second permit of its kind in the state, signaling Texas’s commitment to advancing environmental sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Exxon Mobil’s Rose Carbon Capture and Storage project involves a plan to transport and store carbon dioxide (CO2) underground in western Jefferson County. The project, which includes the construction of an 18-mile pipeline to transport CO2 to the storage site, is subject to stringent regulatory approvals from the state and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA plans to issue three Class VI permits for carbon injection wells in the county, aimed at ensuring the safe management of CO2 and the protection of underground water sources.
In parallel, Tenaska is proposing a $1.1 billion renewable energy initiative in Jefferson County, Ohio, which focuses on carbon capture technology to assist local industries in decreasing their emissions. This project promises to create significant economic opportunities, including construction and operational jobs in Jefferson County and the surrounding tri-state region.
Local officials, such as Commissioner Jake Kleineke, have expressed cautious optimism about Tenaska’s carbon capture project. There is a collective awareness of the need to address road-use maintenance agreements to facilitate the large-scale construction efforts expected to accompany the project. Tenaska’s initiative, which aims to support various local industries including power plants and refineries, is expected to begin testing in 2028, pending the establishment of required permits and agreements.
While both projects aim to mitigate emissions using carbon capture technology, public hearings for Exxon Mobil’s project have revealed some community concerns. Residents of Cheek, Texas, raised issues regarding safety and the potential effects of residing near carbon dioxide injection well sites. These concerns reflect the skepticism some community members feel about the environmental impacts of such projects.
The public comment period for ExxonMobil’s carbon capture project permits is set to run through August 4, 2025, with a virtual hearing planned for July 31, 2025. The project aims to transport approximately 5 million metric tons of CO2 per year and is projected to begin full operations by 2027, pending the completion of all required permitting processes.
Proponents of carbon capture and storage technology argue that it is a vital tool for reducing emissions and counteracting climate change effects. Experts in the field emphasize the low risk of accidents associated with CO2 pipeline operations, referring to decades of safe functioning of existing pipeline systems. Safety measures in pipeline construction include rigorous standards and emergency protocols, which are designed to prevent and adeptly manage any potential CO2 leaks.
To foster transparency and community engagement, Tenaska plans to hold informational events and has established field offices to facilitate direct communication with local residents. While concerns persist, the combined efforts of Exxon Mobil and Tenaska underscore a growing commitment in Texas and neighboring states to explore advanced technologies to address climate change and promote sustainable energy solutions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WTOV9: Jefferson County Set for $1.1B Boost
- 12 News Now: Public Meeting on ExxonMobil Project
- Carbon Herald: EPA Proposes Permits for ExxonMobil
- Weirton Daily Times: Carbon Capture and Storage Safety
- Wikipedia: Carbon Capture and Storage
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
