To the editor:
Tackling the dual challenge of increasing energy production while decreasing emissions is at the core of energy conversations today. The Tri-State Area has the chance to be a leader in energy production and environmental progress by developing new technologies and innovations, including carbon capture, as discussed in "Hancock commission hears about carbon capture project" (Dec. 15.)
The history of carbon capture and storage speaks for itself. For the past 40 years, carbon dioxide has been used to enhance oil production, with more than 99 percent of CO2 safely stored away from our air and water. Additionally, new CCS projects can capture up to 90 percent of CO2 emissions from major industrial sources. Integration of CCS into projects across the supply chain can also help decarbonize critical industries such as cement and steel manufacturing.
Additionally, a recent study found that during 15 years, Ohio alone could create an annual average of up to 6,460 CCS project jobs and sustain 3,910 ongoing operations jobs at industrial and power facilities while capturing 51.9 million metric tons of CO2. This would drive environmental progress and generate up to $20 billion in private investment.
Approached from an economic or environmental perspective, it's clear that Hancock County and the rest of the Tri-State Area should embrace this new technology and reap the benefits of carbon capture and storage. Now is the time to start building the relevant infrastructure for a stronger energy future.
Christina Polesovsky
Associate director
American Petroleum
Institute Ohio