The Texas Carbon Dioxide Storage Agreement (CSA) is a legal framework and regulatory mechanism that establishes the guidelines, requirements, and procedures for the long-term storage and management of carbon dioxide (CO2) in underground geological formations within the state of Texas. This agreement aims to facilitate the reduction of CO2 emissions and contribute to the mitigation of climate change. The CSA is primarily developed and overseen by the Texas Railroad Commission (TRC), in collaboration with other relevant government agencies and stakeholders. It sets out the rules and practices for the secure and permanent storage of CO2 in depleted oil and gas reservoirs, deep saline formations, and other suitable geological formations. Key provisions and components of the Texas Carbon Dioxide Storage Agreement often include: 1. Permitting Process: The CSA outlines the requirements and procedures for obtaining permits for CO2 storage projects in Texas. This includes the submission of comprehensive project plans, risk assessment reports, and well drilling and operating plans. 2. Site Characterization: The agreement mandates a thorough geological assessment of the storage site to evaluate its suitability for CO2 injection and sequestration. This involves conducting geophysical surveys, core sampling, and reservoir modeling to ensure the integrity and containment of the stored CO2. 3. Monitoring and Verification: The CSA emphasizes the need for robust monitoring, measurement, and verification protocols to accurately assess the effectiveness of CO2 storage projects and ensure compliance with environmental standards. This includes monitoring CO2 storage volumes, pressure levels, and potential leakage risks. 4. Reporting and Compliance: The agreement establishes reporting requirements for project operators, necessitating regular updates on storage activities, monitoring data, and any incidents or deviations from the approved plans. Compliance with regulatory standards and provisions is closely monitored and enforced. 5. Financial Assurance: The CSA typically requires project operators to provide financial assurances, such as performance bonds or liability insurance, to cover any potential environmental damages or liabilities associated with CO2 storage operations. This ensures that adequate financial resources are available for site remediation and clean-up if necessary. It is worth mentioning that there are no specific named variations or types of the Texas Carbon Dioxide Storage Agreement. However, as technology and practices evolve, different projects may be subject to specific additional or modified requirements, depending on the unique characteristics or objectives of the CO2 storage project. Nonetheless, the overall framework and principles remain consistent across projects falling under the CSA.