Facilitating Carbon Capture and Storage in Louisiana: The Implications of Environmental Protection Agency's Final Rule Granting Primacy for Class VI Wells

Abstract The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) final rule granting primacy for Class VI wells in Louisiana represents a pivotal advancement for carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects within the state. This paper explores the regulatory framework and its implications for CCS, highlighting the benefits and challenges posed by this rule. Louisiana, with its extensive experience in oil and gas activities, presents a favorable environment for CCS deployment due to its robust underground storage options and regulatory infrastructure. However, the state's history of legacy wells, many inadequately sealed or documented, poses significant risks for CO2 sequestration initiatives. This study delves into the administrative policies, compliance requirements, and the comprehensive assessment process mandated by the EPA to ensure safe and effective CO2 storage. A significant focus is placed on detailed case studies of existing CCS projects in Louisiana, which provide valuable insights into the practical challenges and technical wellbore problems encountered during CCS implementation. These case studies highlight issues such as well integrity, CO2 plume migration, and potential leakage pathways, offering lessons learned and best practices for future projects. The analysis further examines the geological formations of interest, including the Lower Tuscaloosa, Frio, Lower Miocene, and Wilcox sands, and assesses their suitability for long-term CO2 storage. The findings underscore the importance of thorough risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, and ongoing regulatory support to maximize the benefits of CCS deployment while mitigating associated risks. This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of CCS regulatory practices and offer a detailed examination of the technical, environmental, and policy considerations critical to advancing CCS projects in Louisiana. By synthesizing regulatory dynamics, economic considerations, and empirical evidence from case studies, we provide actionable recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and economic decision-makers to capitalize on the transformative potential of CCS deployment.