Pittsburgh Assocation of Petroleum Geologists.

Presentation by Andrea Mullen a Licensed Professional Geologist Manager in the Subsurface Division of the Bureau of Oil and Gas Planning and Program Management at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP).

Website: Pittsburgh Association of Petroleum Geologists (https://www.papgrocks.org/meetings/upcoming-meeting)

Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Time: 11:15 am EST Social Time, 11:45 am EST Lunch Buffet, 12:00 pm EST Speaker12:00 pm EST

Location: Cefalo’s Restaurant   –    428 Washington Ave, Carnegie, PA

Presentation Abstract: 

Carbon Capture and Underground Storage (CCUS) uses Class VI Underground Injection Control (UIC) wells to inject carbon dioxide into deep rock formations, including depleted oil and gas fields. UIC wells in Pennsylvania are regulated by the federal EPA, which issues permits, inspects facilities and takes enforcement actions, but are still subject to Pennsylvania regulations. The current regulatory environment for UIC wells involves a two-stage permit process in which permits must be obtained from both entities. Pennsylvania is seeking regulatory primacy over Class VI wells, which will streamline the permitting process, but requires new regulations to be developed. While challenges remain, Act 87 provides the beginnings of a CCUS regulatory system in the Commonwealth.