Rhode Island Carbon Dioxide Storage Lease is a legal agreement that allows for the storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) in underground geological formations in Rhode Island. It is a significant initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combatting climate change. Under the Rhode Island Carbon Dioxide Storage Lease, operators who hold these leases can inject and store captured CO2 from industrial sources, such as power plants or factories, deep underground. The storage of CO2 in geological formations, typically porous rocks, prevents its release into the atmosphere, thus mitigating its contribution to global warming. There are two primary types of Rhode Island Carbon Dioxide Storage Leases: 1. Commercial Leases: These leases are granted to private companies and organizations interested in actively participating in the carbon capture and storage (CCS) industry. The lessees, in this case, have the purpose of storing significant amounts of carbon dioxide. They are expected to comply with strict regulations and monitoring requirements. 2. Research Leases: Rhode Island also offers research leases, which are typically granted to academic institutions, research organizations, or government agencies. These leases allow for the investigation and study of the feasibility and effectiveness of carbon dioxide storage in Rhode Island's geological formations. They provide an opportunity for extensive research and development of CO2 storage technologies and practices. The Rhode Island Carbon Dioxide Storage Lease stipulates several key aspects: 1. Rights and Obligations: The lease delineates the rights of the lessee to access and utilize the underground geological formations for CO2 storage purposes. It also outlines their obligations to operate in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards. 2. Storage Capacity: The lease specifies the maximum amount of CO2 that can be stored within the designated storage site. This helps determine the feasibility of the storage operation and ensures the safe capacity limits of the geological formations are not exceeded. 3. Monitoring and Reporting: Operators holding the lease are required to monitor the stored CO2 and submit regular reports on storage performance, integrity, and potential environmental impacts. These measures are crucial in ensuring the safe and effective operation of the storage site. 4. Financial Responsibilities: The lease also establishes the financial responsibilities of the lessee, such as lease fees, royalty payments, and potential liability for any damages or accidents that may occur during storage operations. This aspect ensures accountability and aids in covering any potential risks associated with carbon dioxide storage. The Rhode Island Carbon Dioxide Storage Lease is a groundbreaking initiative that supports climate change mitigation efforts by enabling carbon capture and storage technologies. It encourages private investment and research collaborations to advance the development of sustainable and effective CO2 storage solutions in Rhode Island's geological formations.