Summer 2025 Alliance Connect
Welcome to the latest issue of Alliance Connect, your go-to source for updates from the Houston CCS Alliance. In this issue, we?re focusing on the overwhelming support from Texans in favor of granting the state Class VI well primacy during the Environmental Protection Agency?s recent public comment period, recapping the events we attended throughout the summer, and looking ahead to what?s in store this fall.
Texans Voiced Their Support for Class VI Primacy
On June 9, the EPA announced its plans to move forward with Texas? request for Class VI primacy, and the public comment period quickly followed, opening on June 17.
Support quickly came in from groups like the Texas Association of Business, Texas Association of Manufacturers, and the Greater Houston Partnership, as well as bipartisan leaders including Governor Greg Abbott, Houston Mayor John Whitmire, State Senators Alvarado and Birdwell, and Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia. College and university leaders also joined in, showing wide support across the state.
At the July 24 public hearing, 68 of more than 80 speakers supported Texas? request, highlighting both the environmental and economic benefits of advancing CCS projects through primacy. Thanks to all who shared comments and testimony, Texas has built a strong case for Class VI primacy.
Read more in our blog recapping the comment period.
Supporting Chevron?s Bayou Bend Open House
Through July and August, the Alliance engaged with dozens of Jefferson County residents at community open houses for Chevron’s Bayou Bend project. These events provided a valuable opportunity to hear the concerns of local residents and speak with them about the environmental and economic benefits the Bayou Bend project will bring to the Port Arthur area.
The Bayou Bend project represents a major opportunity for Southeast Texas, offering both economic growth and environmental benefits through proven carbon capture and storage technology. The open conversations with residents at these events helped break down technical concepts, foster greater understanding, and strengthen the connection between industry and communities.
Rose CCS Project Gains Momentum
The US Environmental Protection Agency and Texas Railroad Commission held public comment periods this summer to welcome community input on ExxonMobil’s Rose carbon storage project in Jefferson County. If granted final permits, the project would provide safe, reliable storage of industrial emissions on the gulf coast, including from Calpine, which announced it would partner with ExxonMobil to permanently store up to 2 million metric tons of CO2 per year, equal to the emissions of more than 460,000 cars.
The Houston CCS Alliance, Texas Association of Manufacturers, and other key community stakeholders expressed strong support for the project because it will support jobs and economic growth in Jefferson County.
Momentum for CCS in Southeast Texas continues to grow, with strong industry investment and broad community and policymaker support positioning the region as a national leader in carbon storage.
Becoming a Global Model for Energy Project Development
This summer, we met with Spanish government and energy leaders to talk about why community engagement is key to advancing new energy projects. We shared how our community-first approach has built strong support for CCS in Texas and highlighted our feature in the U.S. Department of Commerce?s CCUS Handbook for Policymakers.
The meeting, hosted by BBVA, was a great chance to exchange ideas on how involving communities leads to better energy projects around the world.
Read more about our feature in the Department of Commerce?s Handbook for Policymakers aquí.
The State of the Precinct is Strong
This summer, the Alliance attended and sponsored Precinct Two?s annual State of the Precinct luncheon. The event provided an opportunity to connect with local chamber leaders from Pasadena, Deer Park, Baytown, and more, and to hear from Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia about the many exciting things happening in Precinct 2, from new community projects to the estimated economic impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The continued growth of CCS adds to this momentum, offering a promising opportunity to attract new investments, create meaningful job growth, and strengthen the port region?s role in Houston?s economic growth.
In the News
Have you heard the news? CCS activity among our Houston CCS Alliance member companies is quickly gaining momentum. In case you missed it, find some of the latest news headlines below.
Texas Needs Carbon Storage Primacy to Fuel Next Chapter of the Texas Miracle – Fort Worth Inc.
For decades, Texas has remained the best place in America to grow a business thanks to its streamlined regulations and energy leadership. Class VI Primacy is the next step.
CCS Gains Supportive Moves, Signals from Trump Admin – Energy Intelligence
The Houston CCS Alliance spoke to Energy Intelligence about the EPA?s proposal to grant Texas Class VI primacy, noting that CCS will ?create new markets? for Texas industry to supply low carbon products and stay competitive.
Texas Moves Closer to Gaining Authority Over Carbon Storage Wells – The Carbon Herald
In May, the EPA and Texas Railroad Commission formalized a memorandum of agreement (MOA) advancing Texas? bid for Class VI primacy.
Interested in reading more news from the Houston CCS Alliance? Click aquí to visit our Newsroom.
