Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian voted against ExxonMobil’s Rose Carbon Capture and Storage permit, which the Railroad Commission of Texas approved on a 2-1 vote, the agency said in a Sept. 15 news release.
The vote clears the way for one of the state’s highest-profile carbon storage projects while putting a sitting commissioner’s objections on the record. Christian issued a statement after the vote explaining why he could not support the permit.
“I am disappointed by the outcome. I remain unconvinced that the record adequately establishes the project’s long-term safety,” Christian said. “I still have not heard a convincing answer to a basic question: What is the point of permanently injecting carbon dioxide underground? These projects also require massive taxpayer subsidies, and I am concerned they will drive up costs for the consumers I was elected to represent.”
According to the release, Christian explained his concerns before the vote, and a transcript of his remarks is available from the Commission. The two other members of the three-member Commission voted to approve the permit.
The Railroad Commission describes its mission as serving Texas through stewardship of natural resources and the environment, concern for personal and community safety, and support of development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans. The agency regulates oil and gas operations in the state, including the wells used to inject and store carbon dioxide underground.
Christian’s statement did not indicate whether he would seek any further action on the permit.