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ESD Research Domains
ESD Research Approaches
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A multi-disciplinary team with expertise in systems
analysis, economics, sequestration, law, and political science
looked at the challenge of regulating carbon dioxide and storage.
The research combined legal analysis of potential tort liability
from seismicity that might be induced by carbon injection into
geological formations and from contractual liability from carbon
dioxide leakage from structures, with a technical review and assessment
of sequestration options. The technical analysis concentrated
on the storage of CO2 in deep saline formations and
oil and gas fields, which are considered to be the most likely
near-term geological storage options. Deep saline formations and
oil and gas fields are believed to offer the largest capacity
for geological storage and in many cases are in close proximity
to large sources of CO2.
The legal analysis of liability relied on conventional
legal research methods to identify relevant statutes and cases
and assess their implications for contractual and tort liability.
The work was presented to staff members of the US
Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources who were writing
legislation to regulate sequestration risks. The team was also
commissioned to write a briefing paper on liability issues for
the International Risk Governance Council.
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The most promising
CO2 storage options are in deep saline formations
and oil and gas fields. The research combined technical
storage systems analysis with market considerations, tort
and contractual liability issues, and regulatory systems
analysis. (click image to see larger size)
figure from: Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change, IPCC Special Report on Carbon Dioxide
Capture and Storage, Summary for Policy Makers and Technical
Summary, IPCC, (2005) |
de Figueiredo, M., H. Herzog, P. Joskow, K. Oye,
and D. Reiner, “Regulating Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage:
Legal, Regulatory and Organizational Issues,” International
Risk Governance Council, January 2007.
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