Carbon Capture and Storage on the Gulf Coast: Clearing Up the Myths
Gulf Coast communities power our nation. As demand grows for lower‑carbon products, one solution is especially important to our future: carbon capture and storage (CCS).
The Gulf Coast CCS Alliance supports responsible CCS deployment that protects jobs and strengthens our local economies, without sacrificing the industries our communities rely on.
However, CCS is often misunderstood. Despite decades of studies, use, and growing investment, CCS still faces persistent myths that can cloud understanding and slow progress.
Below, we address the most common myths with the facts you deserve to know.
Myth 1: We don’t need carbon capture and storage.
Fact: CCS helps keep existing industrial jobs and businesses anchored in Texas.
CCS allows facilities like refineries, cement plants, and chemical manufacturers to produce lower carbon versions of essential products, keeping jobs and investment on the Gulf Coast.
Myth 2: CCS is a new, unproven technology.
Fact: CCS has been used safely for over 50 years.
The technology is well‑studied and widely used both in the U.S. and around the world, with strong state and federal oversight guiding today’s projects.
Myth 3: Storing CO₂ underground is dangerous.
Fact: CCS has been found to be very safe by researchers at Texas A&M University
Storage sites are typically thousands of feet underground—far below drinking water—and rely on the same geology that has safely held oil and gas for millions of years.
In fact, researchers at Texas A&M University recently conducted a CCS study using years of research and found that CCS is very safe.
Myth 4: CCS activity will impact drinking water.
Fact: CCS storage sites are thousands of feet below drinking water.
Multiple layers of rock seal off storage sites from aquifers, and strict EPA rules are in place to protect water quality.
Myth 5: CCS will impact our rivers, streams, and lakes.
Fact: There is a very low possibility of any impact to local water sourcesCO₂ storage is located deep underground, thousands of feet below surface water, and projects undergo rigorous permitting and 24‑hour monitoring once operational.
Myth 6: CCS sites are permanent eyesores for communities.
Fact: CCS sites are safe and take up very little space above ground.
Above‑ground facilities are small, well‑regulated, and often barely noticeable to nearby residents.
Myth 7: CCS causes earthquakes.
Fact: Induced seismicity is very unlikely.
Operators carefully manage underground pressure and avoid faulted areas, with continuous monitoring to ensure safety.
Myth 8: Communities won’t benefit from CCS.
Fact: CCS supports jobs, revenue, and cleaner air.
Projects help retain skilled workers, create new economic opportunities, generate tax revenue, and improve air quality by reducing harmful pollutants.
Myth 9: CO₂ pipelines can cause explosions.
Fact: CO₂ pipelines are very safe and have fewer incidents than many other types of pipelines.
CO₂ pipelines are already operating safely in the U.S. and have fewer incidents than pipelines carrying oil or refined fuels. Furthermore, CO₂ is not flammable and is used in everyday items from food to carbonated beverages.
Myth 10: Abandoned wells and pipeline failure cause CO₂ leaks.
Fact: The risk is very low as wells are sealed and assets are continually monitored.
Before a project is approved, operators must assess all existing wells and seal, monitor, or reinforce them as needed under EPA requirements.
By separating fact from fiction, we can have productive conversations about solutions that work for our region today and position us for future economic success. Click here to read the full Myth vs. Fact One-Pager.
