Stay Informed

Indiana is in a unique position when it comes to carbon sequestration, one of the available methods to reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, geologic carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide in underground geologic formations, such as pores in rocks.

Geologically, Indiana can sequester carbon dioxide at rates most other states can’t. Private industries have taken notice and are attempting to capitalize on this emerging technology across the state, according to Indiana Farm Bureau’s public policy team.

In a preemptive measure, the Indiana General Assembly sought to establish a framework for how carbon sequestration projects may operate in the state of Indiana. To ensure that property rights were protected, INFB – at the direction of its members – sought to defend property rights by:

• Defining property rights to include the subsurface.
• Establishing that there must be fair and just compensation.
• Establishing that there must be a minimum threshold for approving carbon sequestration projects.

As a result, INFB supported House Enrolled Act 1209, which was passed and signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb in 2022.

At this time, INFB doesn’t have a position on carbon sequestration technologies, but the organization has taken countless firm positions on upholding property rights.

Since 2022, there have been several attempts to undermine HEA 1209 and it is believed by many across the state that there will be new efforts in 2024. INFB will continue to advocate on behalf of members for firm property rights and a legal framework that ensures their rights aren’t limited.

To watch a recorded webinar about the carbon sequestration process, visit INFB’s “Webinars and Recorded Calls” page. Other questions can be directed to Andy Tauer at atauer@infb.org.