The Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission has begun planning the state’s new carbon sequestration program.

The program, approved by the state parliament and Governor Mike Dunleavy this year, we will finally get the state to license pipelines and injection wells that will allow companies to store carbon dioxide deep underground.

Storage programs that are already in use in other countries are seen as a way to to avert the environmental impacts of the use of fossil fuelsTheir popularity has exploded since Congress and President Joe Biden approved significant tax breaks.

In a public announcement In a statement released Tuesday, the AOGCC said it is accepting public comments on potential regulations for the state program.

Under the program, the state assumes regulatory authority over carbon injection wells, taking them over from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Federal law requires the state to take measures to protect drinking water that are no weaker than those currently used by the EPA.

No specific rules have been released yet and the agency is gathering public input on what should be included. A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 7 at 10 a.m.

Written comments may also be sent to the AOGCC at 333 West 7th Ave., Anchorage, AK 99501 or (email protected).