Working group description and purpose

The Department of Ecology (Ecology) is working to provide clarity of how carbon capture, removal, utilization and storage are treated in the Cap-and-Invest Program. Ecology began this mult-year process in Spring 2026. Based on that feedback, we’re now focusing on policy questions related to the implementation emissions exemption pathway for permanently sequestered carbon dioxide emissions.

The Cap-and-Invest working group: Permanent sequestration standard will help provide input on the 1000-year permanent sequestration standard defined by WAC 173-407-110. The working group will focus on the potential application of this standard to carbon dioxide emissions from facilities and other point sources that have been captured and permanently stored.

Key discussion areas will include:

• Climate science, practical implementation, and community and environmental impact considerations for permanence standards
• The application of a permanent sequestration standard to different technologies and permanent storage approaches, including geologic sequestration and various forms of carbon mineralization

In early 2027, Ecology will form a follow-on working group focused on emissions accounting considerations for the Cap-and-Invest Program’s permanent sequestration emissions exemption pathway, defined in WAC 173-446-040(2)(a)(iii). Ecology will also host a public meeting to gather input on potential community impacts of carbon management.

Meeting schedule

The working group is expected to begin in late-October and meet every three weeks for 4 months for 2 hours each time. The time and day will be finalized once the members are selected. Additional meetings may be added as needed.

Apply to be a working group member

Ecology intends for the working group to have representation from a range of organizations and backgrounds, including technical experts in permanent sequestration technologies (e.g., geologic sequestration, mineralization), project developers and technology providers, voluntary carbon market registry representatives, climate think tanks, environmental organizations, and, if applicable, Tribes.

Applicants for the working group should have experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Permanence standards (e.g., climate science considerations, implementation considerations)
• Geologic sequestration or mineralization technologies.
• Relevant regulations and voluntary carbon market and protocols and methodologies.
• Potential community and environmental impacts of the permanent sequestration.

Applications due by Oct. 1, 2026

If interested, please review our solicitation. Applicants should submit a cover letter (1-2 pages) describing their relevant experience and expertise related to carbon management and how the applicant can contribute to the working group. Applications must be submitted by individuals, not organizations or interested parties. Applicant may, however, be represented or affiliated with an organization. Ecology will select working group members based on the individual’s experience and expertise and will prioritize creating a working group with diverse perspectives.

Resources

• Cap-and-Invest carbon capture, removal, utilization, and storage webpage
• Carbon capture email list

Contact

Marissa Tousley
Cap-and-Invest: Industrial Decarbonization Specialist
CCA_carboncapture@ecy.wa.gov