§ 17271. Carbon dioxide sequestration capacity assessment
(a)
Definitions
In this section—
(1)
Assessment
The term “assessment” means the national assessment of onshore capacity for carbon dioxide completed under subsection (f).
(2)
Capacity
The term “capacity” means the portion of a sequestration formation that can retain carbon dioxide in accordance with the requirements (including physical, geological, and economic requirements) established under the methodology developed under subsection (b).
(3)
Engineered hazard
The term “engineered hazard” includes the location and completion history of any well that could affect potential sequestration.
(4)
Risk
The term “risk” includes any risk posed by geomechanical, geochemical, hydrogeological, structural, and engineered hazards.
(b)
Methodology
Not later than 1 year after December 19, 2007, the Secretary shall develop a methodology for conducting an assessment under subsection (f), taking into consideration—
(c)
Coordination
(1)
Federal coordination
(A)
Consultation
The Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency on issues of data sharing, format, development of the methodology, and content of the assessment required under this section to ensure the maximum usefulness and success of the assessment.
(d)
External review and publication
On completion of the methodology under subsection (b), the Secretary shall—
(1)
publish the methodology and solicit comments from the public and the heads of affected Federal and State agencies;
(2)
establish a panel of individuals with expertise in the matters described in paragraphs (1) through (5) of subsection (b) composed, as appropriate, of representatives of Federal agencies, institutions of higher education, nongovernmental organizations, State organizations, industry, and international geoscience organizations to review the methodology and comments received under paragraph (1); and
(e)
Periodic updates
The methodology developed under this section shall be updated periodically (including at least once every 5 years) to incorporate new data as the data becomes available.
(f)
National assessment
(1)
In general
Not later than 2 years after the date of publication of the methodology under subsection (d)(1), the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and State geological surveys, shall complete a national assessment of capacity for carbon dioxide in accordance with the methodology.
(2)
Geological verification
As part of the assessment under this subsection, the Secretary shall carry out a drilling program to supplement the geological data relevant to determining sequestration capacity of carbon dioxide in geological sequestration formations, including—
(3)
Partnership with other drilling programs
As part of the drilling program under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall enter, as appropriate, into partnerships with other entities to collect and integrate data from other drilling programs relevant to the sequestration of carbon dioxide in geological formations.
(4)
Incorporation into NatCarb
(5)
Report
Not later than 180 days after the date on which the assessment is completed, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report describing the findings under the assessment.
(g)
Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $30,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.