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Kern County's new bet: Carbon removal industry as a lifeline

In California's Kern County, a bold shift from traditional oil production to carbon removal projects is seen as a potential economic savior and a step toward meeting the state's climate goals.

Emma Foehringer Merchant, Inside Climate News, and Joshua Yeager, KVPR

In short:

  • Kern County, historically reliant on oil, is pivoting to carbon capture and storage to combat economic and climate challenges.
  • The county's plan includes potentially transformative projects, but faces environmental and community concerns.
  • This strategic shift aims to align with California's ambitious target of removing 100 million metric tons of carbon by 2045.

Key quote:

"It’s existential. What is this place going to look like in 30 years? What’s it going to look like in five?"

— Lorelei Oviatt, Kern County's director of planning and natural resources.

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