Richmond, California, became the first city in the state to formally oppose a proposed carbon dioxide pipeline intended to transport captured CO2 from industrial sites, including Chevron’s local refinery, to underground storage in Solano County. The city council approved the resolution with a majority, reflecting growing local resistance to the project.
The pipeline, part of the Montezuma NorCal Carbon Sequestration Hub initiative by Montezuma Carbon, plans to move CO2 emissions collected at Bay Area refineries, hydrogen plants, and power plants through approximately 40 miles of underwater pipeline. The captured CO2 would then be injected beneath the Montezuma Wetlands near Collinsville, with Chevron’s Richmond refinery expected to contribute the largest share at around 4.1 million tons annually.
Councilmember Claudia Jimenez pushed for the resolution after community members expressed fears about the pipeline’s safety and environmental risks. In contrast, some council members remained cautious, with a couple abstaining to allow for further discussion. The broader dialogue around the project highlights concerns that include potential leaks, pipeline failures, and the risk of eminent domain affecting local lands.
Regulatory agencies have also raised red flags. The Environmental Protection Agency paused its technical review of the project’s underground injection permit due to insufficient documentation, and county-level filings for a test well have been found incomplete. These setbacks indicate stricter scrutiny and uncertainty surrounding the project’s approval timeline.
Public advocacy groups like Food & Water Watch welcomed Richmond’s stance, warning about the dangers posed by CO2 leaks. Carbon dioxide, while naturally occurring, can be hazardous in high concentrations by displacing oxygen, leading to symptoms ranging from seizures to asphyxiation. Additional concerns include pipeline corrosion and threats to drinking water sources.
Proponents of carbon capture argue that the technology is essential for reducing industrial emissions and meeting California’s ambitious climate targets, which aim to capture millions of metric tons of CO2 by 2030. However, the state is still navigating how to balance these goals with community safety and environmental protection.
While Richmond’s resolution signals significant opposition, it does not halt the Montezuma NorCal project on its own. State-level discussions and regulatory reviews continue as California explores the future of carbon dioxide sequestration infrastructure in the region.