Sierra Club believes that policies intended to result in the installation of carbon capture projects at energy generation facilities, rather than policies intended to result in clean, renewable energy, are not a climate solution. It is Sierra Club’s policy that if carbon capture technology is to be installed at an energy generation facility, it must be maximally effective and thus remove as much carbon dioxide from the plant’s flue stream as possible. Permitting authorities must also appropriately address all of the other environmental and community concerns associated with fossil fuel combustion, carbon capture equipment, and associated infrastructure, including potential increases in air pollution, water use and discharges, habitat destruction, local community impacts, environmental justice concerns, and impacts to ratepayers.
Final, August 9, 2023