Trump’s return could disrupt carbon capture, but the industry might endure
Utilities are expected to adopt carbon capture technology, even if Donald Trump dismantles federal climate regulations, due to state goals and market incentives.
Carlos Anchondo and Jason Plautz report for E&E News.
In short:
- The Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credits have spurred a boom in carbon capture projects, despite the potential rollback of climate policies under Trump.
- Utilities may still pursue carbon capture to meet state and corporate decarbonization targets, even without federal mandates.
- The Department of Energy’s investments in carbon capture projects enjoy bipartisan support, increasing the likelihood of continued development.
Key quote:
“We are optimistic that CCS will continue to be viewed as a key part of an ‘all of the above’ strategy to meet U.S. energy goals and for U.S. businesses to remain economically competitive in an increasingly global low-carbon world.”
— Jarad Daniels, CEO of the Global CCS Institute
Why this matters:
Carbon capture could enable fossil fuel plants to cut emissions, supporting climate goals while maintaining grid stability. However, it remains costly, and critics fear it delays the transition to renewable energy.
Related: Exxon CEO urges Trump team to avoid radical climate policy shifts
