There is significant opportunity for this CaRBTAP to have significant positive impact in the PNW:  

The geography of this region – referred to as the Columbia River Basalt Group (CRBG) unique basalt geology offers significant potential for long-term CO₂ storage, making it a promising location for carbon sequestration projects.  

This under-explored formation has driven increased investment in clean energy technologies and research across the Pacific Northwest. As interest grows, stakeholders aim to better understand the region’s capacity for secure and sustainable carbon storage, positioning it as a key player in advancing carbon management solutions. The recently funded direct-air-capture hub (Ankeron), the Pacific Northwest hydrogen hub (PNWH2 Hub), along with several CarbonSAFE programs (HERO, CANstore) are examples of ongoing efforts in the region. Ample effort in the region, coupled by the insights from CaRBTAP, will seed the way for a carbon-negative PNW.    

In addition, significant time has already been spent building trusted relationships and seeking to understand concerns around CCS with key local stakeholders – all who are still actively engaged in the continuation of the work. Several groups throughout the region, including sovereign Tribal Nations, have a noted history of environmental advocacy. In fact, the Pacific Northwest (PNW) is known for its advanced environmental and climate advocacy and community concern, and the strength of its sovereign Tribal Nations. Various members of the CaRBTAP Project Team have and will continue to proactively engage with these regional groups to demonstrate how the mission of carbon management adheres to this public sentiment by enabling the complete decarbonization of regional industries and the deployment of carbon negative technologies. PNNL has been part (and conducted) several community meetings with development councils across the PNW, including in the Tri-Cities, Clallam County, and others.