Michigan House considers carbon capture bills: environmental groups split on state authority for CCUS permitting

Michigan lawmakers are weighing a slate of bills that would give the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) authority over carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) permitting. The proposals, House Bills 6247-6249, aim to speed up permitting for injection wells and create a state framework for storing CO2 in geological formations like depleted oil fields and saline aquifers. Supporters say this helps Michigan meet its 2040 100% clean energy standard and keeps industrial jobs in hard-to-decarbonize sectors like cement and steel. Environmental groups are divided. Clean Air Task Force backs the bills, noting CCS can reduce local air pollutants while capturing CO2. The Michigan League of Conservation Voters opposes them, arguing the $0.20 per ton injection fee is too low and the bills fail to verify that stored carbon actually reduces atmospheric emissions. The League also warns about risks as more pipelines and wells scale up. The committee heard testimony in September 2026, with EGLE staying neutral for now.