Developing Model Federal Legislation to Advance Safe and Responsible Ocean Carbon Dioxide Removal Research in the United States

Authors

Romany M. Webb, Columbia Law School, Sabin Center for Climate Change LawFollow
Korey Silverman-Roati, Columbia Law School, Sabin Center for Climate Change LawFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2023

Abstract

This model federal legislation aims to advance safe and responsible ocean carbon dioxide removal (CDR) research in U.S. waters. Controlled field trials and other in-ocean research is critical to improve scientific and societal understanding of CDR techniques that could help the U.S. reach its climate goals. However, existing legal frameworks were not designed to regulate ocean CDR and, in some cases, unnecessarily or inappropriately restrict needed research. The purpose of this proposed model legislation is to establish clear and efficient permitting regime for in-ocean CDR research. At the same time, the model legislation builds in consultation, monitoring, and other safeguards to ensure research occurs in a scientifically-sound manner and minimizes potential risks to the environment and communities.

Disciplines

Environmental Law | Law | Law of the Sea

Recommended Citation

Romany M. Webb & Korey Silverman-Roati, Developing Model Federal Legislation to Advance Safe and Responsible Ocean Carbon Dioxide Removal Research in the United States, Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, Columbia Law School, March 2023.
Available at: https://scholarship.law.columbia.edu/sabin_climate_change/199/

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