Carbon storage projects crossing source county lines would need local approval

A storage operator would need approval at a public meeting before operating a covered project. This applies to carbon storage projects that transport or store carbon dioxide outside the county where it is generated. An area planning commission would decide where it has authority; elsewhere, local lawmakers would need to pass an ordinance. The commission could not hand its decision to staff or a hearing officer. Projects cleared to proceed under a federal permit to inject carbon dioxide underground issued before July 1, 2026, would be exempt. The approval requirement would take effect July 1, 2026.

A final area planning commission decision could be challenged in court. This covers final decisions by area planning commissions on projects that need their approval. The court would use the same review process used for zoning appeals. This court review provision would take effect July 1, 2026.