Shelby County residents push for oversight of carbon sequestration project near POET

Shelby County commissioners heard more than an hour of public comments from residents concerned about a proposed carbon dioxide injection project near the POET Bioprocessing facility. The residents asked for a six-month moratorium on permits and site work, plus additional testing and disclosure about the underground storage footprint. Commissioners explained they lack jurisdiction over the project because it sits within or is proposed for annexation into Shelbyville, but they agreed to help organize a meeting between residents and company representatives. The project applicant, Shakespeare Sequestration LLC, has a Class VI injection well permit under review. Indiana law provides a state regulatory framework for underground CO2 storage, including pore space ownership rules. Commissioners said they cannot override state law but are open to facilitating conversations and considering county ordinances that apply only to unincorporated areas. The meeting is expected to bring residents and experts together to address questions about well safety, property impacts, and insurance concerns.