Nebraska reviewed for CCS potential

The passage of legislation in Nebraska to support carbon capture and storage is a catalyst for development agreements, construction and manufacturing company Chief Industries said June 11.

Chief Industries, which has its headquarters in Nebraska, said it had entered into an agreement to develop carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology in the state alongside Catahoula Resources, a division of private investment firm The Energy and Minerals Group.

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Both companies are already looking at the economics of producing ethanol in coordination with CCS technology in the state. Ethanol produced from crops such as corn yields CO₂ as a byproduct.

DJ Eihusen, the CEO of Chief Industries, said recently-passed legislation in Nebraska means the state is primed for CCS development.

“The passage of LB650 shows that Nebraska is serious about our global environment,” he said. “Allowing for the geologic storage of carbon dioxide will truly benefit the citizens and industries within our state.”

Legislative bill 650 states that the geological storage of CO₂ is in the public’s interest. Developing it will benefit the environment

“Further, geologic storage of carbon dioxide, a potentially valuable commodity, may allow for its ready availability if needed for commercial, industrial, or other uses,” the measure, as introduced, read in part.

Last month, Tim Ryan, a Democratic member of the House of Representatives for Ohio, was joined by three fellow Democrats and four Republicans in introducing the Coordinated Action to Capture Harmful Emissions Act, which would offer more tax credits for industrial facilities and power plants that find ways to capture carbon from their facilities.

The industrial and power sectors, if the measure is passed, would be eligible for tax credits if they find ways to securely store CO₂ in saline geological formations, find new uses for CO₂ or store it in oil and gas fields.

LB650 shows Nebraska is ahead of the curve in its support for CCS, the companies said.

“The use of proven carbon capture infrastructure targeting nearby, low-cost storage is a compelling plan for investment in the local economies of Nebraska,” Jeff Rawls, CEO of Catahoula Resources, stated.

LB650 was signed by Nebraska governor Pete Ricketts in May.