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The proposal represents a step forward for carbon capture and storage projects in the state and could accelerate the permitting process.

By Nikki Buffa, Jennifer Roy, and Joshua Bledsoe

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a significant regulatory change that could expedite the development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects in West Virginia. A proposed rule published on November 27, 2024 would grant the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) primary enforcement authority, or “primacy,” for permitting Class VI Underground Injection Control (UIC) wells. These wells are used for geologic sequestration of anthropogenic carbon dioxide, which has been identified as a key component in meeting greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets and advancing energy security.

On December 28, 2023, EPA granted primacy to Louisiana. Louisiana is the third state to receive this delegation of regulatory authority from the EPA, following North Dakota in 2018 and Wyoming in 2020. If West Virginia ultimately is granted primacy, it will become the fourth state to have Class VI UIC well permitting authority.

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The Prime Minister announced the new UK target of an 81% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

By Paul A. Davies, Michael D. Green, and James Bee

On 12 November 2024, the UK government announced a new climate target to reduce the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions by 81% by 2035, compared to 1990 levels. The target forms part of the UK’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which outlines commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change. The UK government announced that the revised NDC is aligned with the goal of limiting global temperature rises to 1.5°C, which was outlined in the Paris Agreement.

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South Korea’s Constitutional Court has issued a “first of its kind” decision in Asia, requiring South Korea to update its greenhouse gas reduction targets.

By Paul A. Davies, Wonsuk (Steve) Kang, Michael D. Green, James Bee, Stephanie Forrest, and Jiou (Alex) Park

On 29 August 2024, South Korea’s Constitutional Court (the Court) ruled unanimously that a provision of the 2021 Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth for Coping with Climate Crisis (the Framework)…

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The key principles for a Carbon Management Strategy and draft act on the revision of the Carbon Storage Act create new opportunities for investors and project developers.

By Tobias Larisch, Alexander “Stefan” Rieger, John-Patrick Sweny, Jean-Philippe Brisson, and Joachim Grittmann

The German Federal Government’s Carbon Management Strategy and the revision of the Carbon Storage Act (Kohlendioxid-Speicherungsgesetz, KSpG) aim to remove current obstacles to (i) Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and (ii) Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)…

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore will also launch 12 key initiatives, including a levy on sustainable aviation fuel and low-carbon electricity imports.

By Paul A. Davies, Farhana Sharmeen, Michael D. Green, James Bee, and Kevin Mak

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has launched the Singapore Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint (Blueprint) as part of its efforts to decarbonise Singapore’s aviation sector while enabling sustainable growth.

Background

The Blueprint aims to reduce domestic aviation emissions[i] from airport operations by 20% from 2019 levels (404ktCO2) in 2030 and achieve net zero domestic and international aviation emissions by 2050. This net zero goal aligns with both Singapore’s national climate target and the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s target for the global aviation industry. Alongside the Blueprint, CAAS will introduce 12 initiatives to decarbonise Singapore’s aviation sector and five enablers for the effective implementation of these decarbonisation initiatives. The initiatives will be implemented across three domains: airport, airline, and air traffic management.