Ohio has a long history of leading on energy development and emerging technology.

In 1814, North America’s first oil-producing well was drilled in Noble County. Not long after, Ohio began commercially producing oil and natural gas continuously and is now one of the top energy-producing states in the U.S.

Today, Ohio has a unique opportunity to build on this success and help secure American energy dominance. Considering Ohio’s prolific natural gas reserves and prevalence of ideal geologic formations, the state is a prime location for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects.

What is CCUS

CCUS technologies collect carbon dioxide emissions directly from industrial sources or remove them from the atmosphere and reuses it in products or processes, or stores it securely deep underground, thus reducing air emissions.

This type of technology isn’t new. In fact, CCUS has been used for enhanced oil recovery in the U.S. since 1972.

How legislation in Ohio can help

In Ohio, no state laws or regulatory framework for CCUS currently exist, leaving a critical regulatory gap for landowners as it relates to pore space ownership, which forms the basis for compensation agreements. It also creates uncertainty for the operators currently investing in Ohio due to the state’s suitable geology and robust manufacturing industry.

By establishing a firm regulatory framework and a clear, consistent process for CCUS, Ohio can help protect landowners, bolster our economy, and advance emissions reduction goals. As a leading energy-producing and manufacturing state, Ohio is poised to lead on CCUS.

Fortunately, both the Ohio House and Senate have proposed legislation to set clear regulations when it comes to pore space ownership while assigning responsibility for short- and long-term monitoring of the well, in addition to state fees for operators. Bottom line, this legislation would help close existing regulatory gaps and provide Ohio-specific parameters for CCUS projects that uphold safety and consider landowner rights.

Environmental and economic benefits

CCUS can be a win-win for Ohio if policymakers can act soon to adopt legislation to begin establishing a regulatory framework. Embracing pro-energy, pro-growth policies that support innovation, competitiveness, and environmental progress can help Ohio prosper.

With the Buckeye State’s abundant supply of natural gas and the ability to pair it with carbon capture to create lower carbon “blue hydrogen,” Ohio could attract new investment and create jobs. To that end, Ohio must establish its own regulations to properly manage this emerging industry.

Ohio’s long history of energy innovation, rich natural resources, and dynamic, dedicated workforce make it the perfect place to embrace CCUS and emerging energy economy.

Too much is at stake to do nothing. CCUS is a critical step for securing Ohio’s energy future.

Christina Polesovsky is the Associate Director, American Petroleum Institute Ohio based in Columbus