EPA proposes CO2 containment rule

WASHINGTON, July 15 (UPI) -- A proposed rule that has promise for mitigating industrial carbon dioxide emissions was offered for comment Tuesday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The proposed regulation would create a national framework for injecting carbon dioxide underground and protecting underground resources, the EPA said in a news release. The rule would create a new class of injection wells under the Safe Drinking Water Act's Underground Injection Control program.

"Today's proposal paves the way for technologies that would protect public health and help reduce the effects of climate change," EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson said. "With proper site selection and management, geologic sequestration could play a major role in reducing emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere."

The proposed rule would build on an existing program, including stringent requirements to ensure wells are properly located, constructed, tested, monitored and closed with proper funding, the EPA said. It would apply to wells used to inject carbon dioxide into the subsurface for long-term storage.

The comment period is open for 120 days.