Mississippi’s next great opportunity: carbon capture and storage
Mississippi’s legislative session ended earlier this month, offering lawmakers the chance to reflect on our time in Jackson. While this year’s session saw several triumphs, such as the passage of significant education reform, we leave the State House with many essential items to address in the coming year. Among these central priorities is the need to stimulate further economic growth and provide new opportunities for Mississippians by opening our doors to new industries. That’s why carbon capture and storage (CCS) should be at the top of our agenda when we return next year.
Carbon capture and storage is one of Mississippi’s most promising growth opportunities. The proven technology, which has been safely used in the Gulf Coast region for more than 50 years, captures carbon dioxide from large industries and injects it over half a mile underground for permanent and safe storage in unique geological formations, which are prevalent in Mississippi. Through this process, facilities like manufacturing centers and oil and natural gas refineries can dramatically reduce the CO2 emissions they release, with studies showing reductions of up to 90%.