Lawmakers must make decisions about a variety of topics, including energy and infrastructure. Growing demand for ethanol has made carbon capture and storage (CCS) a hot topic in certain communities, especially in Midwestern states.
At face value, making policies that permit—or prohibit—the underground storage of carbon dioxide can seem like an advanced scientific endeavor. Thankfully, CCS has been part of the national conversation for years, which means there are numerous objective (and free) resources provided by the United States government. Here are a few examples from three federal agencies.
3 Sources of Authoritative Information about CCS
1. National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL)
Part of the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) traces its history to the early 20th century with the passing of the Organic Act. Today, NETL is focused on creating innovative solutions that advance the United States’ energy future.
NETL offers multiple online publications that pertain to the capture, transportation, and storage of carbon dioxide. Two examples include:
Carbon Storage FAQs: This detailed guide answers frequently asked questions about CCS. Learn the basics and gain tips for responding to common CCS misconceptions.
Permanence and Safety of CCS: Public safety concerns are often raised in relation to carbon capture and storage. NETL’s resource shares historical evidence, regulatory controls, and monitoring technologies that point to the safety of CCS.
2. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Some might be surprised that the IRS has something to say about carbon capture and storage. The truth is that tax credits for carbon dioxide sequestration were first written into the tax code in 2008. Since then, both Republican and Democrat administrations have prioritized carbon sequestration in various pieces of legislation. Publications pertaining to CCS include:
Internal Revenue Bulletin: 2009-44: Published in November 2009, this bulletin contains Notice 2009-83, which provided important guidance for CO2 sequestration tax credits as set forth under section 45Q of the Internal Revenue Code. Reporting requirements, terms and definitions, and other details are outlined in the notice.
Working Families Tax Cuts Newsroom Page: Following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, the IRS published this page to spotlight tax-related implications for individuals, businesses, and economic sectors. The “Carbon Oxide Sequestration Credit” is specifically listed under the “Clean energy” section of the page.
3. Congressional Budget Office (CBO)
In 1974, lawmakers created the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), which provides nonpartisan information to support policymaking and budgetary decisions. Given the number of times CCS has been included in legislation, it’s understandable why the CBO offers multiple publications.
The Potential for Carbon Sequestration in the United States: Now almost 20 years old, this report was published in September 2007 and provides important context for why the United States government began evaluating CO2 storage policies.
Carbon Capture and Storage in the United States: This 2023 report analyzes CCS from multiple perspectives, including funding. Billions of dollars in federal funds have already been allocated for carbon capture and storage, with more planned for the future.
Expert Support for CCS Projects
Our team at Trigen provides services to a variety of energy projects, including carbon capture and storage. Contact us to leverage our expertise.