The Energy and Geoscience Institute (EGI) at the University of Utah, in partnership with CoolSky Energy Solutions LLC, has received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Plan under the Clean Air Act, demonstrating responsible carbon management and qualifying the plant for the 45Q tax credit. The plan supports Class II underground injection control (UIC) wells associated with the Lisbon Valley Gas Plant near Moab, Utah. This marks the first approved MRV plan in the state of Utah.
The University’s EGI team, including Professor Brian McPherson, Professor Nathan Moodie, Professor Ting Xiao, Professor Eric Edelman, Dr. Kevin McCormack, along with the entire Carbon Science Initiative group and in collaboration with CoolSky Energy Solutions LLC, developed and submitted this successful MRV Plan.
According to Sharyn Lie, Director of the Climate Change Division at EPA, the agency reviewed and approved the Lisbon Valley Gas Plant MRV Plan as required by 40 CFR Part 98, Subpart RR of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program.
David Bullion, Chief Technology Advisor at American Helium, highlighted the impact of this decision, stating: “The EPA’s approval further enhances the value of American Helium’s holdings within the Paradox Basin and highlights the long-term commitment for carbon capture and storage of CO2 removed from the processing of our natural gas stream.”
Professor Brian McPherson emphasized the significance of this approval: “This first MRV Plan for Utah is a landmark achievement. It not only ensures rigorous accounting of carbon dioxide at the Lisbon Valley Gas Plant, but also highlights the University of Utah as a leader in advancing the nation’s goals for responsible carbon management. We are working with Utah’s The plan supports Class II underground injection control (UIC) wells associated with the Lisbon Valley Gas Plant near Moab, Utah. , who, under H.B. 204 (2022), is pursuing EPA primacy for Class VI carbon sequestration to ensure consistent regulation while continuing to approve Class II wells only as defined by statute. By enabling Class II wells to operate under a transparent monitoring framework, we are reducing pollution and protecting the sensitive natural and cultural landscapes of southern Utah.”
This achievement underscores the University of Utah’s role in developing innovative approaches to carbon management while advancing state and national goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.