(Letter to the Editor - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

I am writing to respond to a recent opinion column that misrepresented Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), which is not only a viable emissions reduction strategy but also a major economic opportunity for West Virginia.

The use of CCS extends back to the 1970s. It is proven and safe. In the United States, CCS projects have safely stored millions of metric tons of CO2 underground, with long-term monitoring confirming their effectiveness. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that there is 3,000 metric gigatons of subsurface CO2 storage capacity accessible onshore and in state waters, highlighting the vast potential for safe and permanent CO2 sequestration.

Importantly, West Virginia is positioned to lead in this space. Our state’s geology can safely support permanent CO2 storage and, with federal incentives like 45Q, the private sector is ready to invest. A report by the National Energy Technology Laboratory concluded that expanding CCS could result in the creation of up to 1.8 million jobs, largely in the Midwest, Appalachian and Southern states.

For our manufacturers and energy producers, CCS is a path to long-term competitiveness. It allows us to meet emissions targets without shutting down industries that provide thousands of West Virginia jobs. By embracing CCS, we can attract innovative companies and data center industries focused on carbon management, creating high-tech jobs for the future.

In the recent regular session of the West Virginia Legislature, Senate Bill 627 was passed that further enhances the deployment of CCS in the Mountain State and creates more opportunities for development of this technology on public lands. We should thank our legislators as well as Governor Morrisey who signed this bill into law late last month. Let us move past fear-based arguments and embrace the reality: CCS is a smart bet for our economy, our workers, and our energy future.

Bill Bissett, Ed.D.

President

West Virginia Manufacturers Association