Carbon Capture, Sequestration, and Storage in Washington State Parks: A Review of Relevant Policy and Project Feasibility

Abstract

Successful examples of carbon capture and sequestration/storage (CCS) projects within voluntary carbon markets exist throughout the country. This paper examines policies related to the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (PARKS), state agency funding, greenhouse gas emissions, cap-and-trade markets, and carbon offset registries to determine the feasibility of providing compensation to PARKS for the ecosystem service of carbon sequestration that occurs on lands the agency manages. It compiles supporting evidence for the utilization of Washington’s state parks as carbon storage banks to help achieve greenhouse gas emission targets, generate agency funding, or operate as a buffer pool for unforeseen carbon storage losses in other CCS programs. It identifies guidelines and establishes a framework for carbon offset project planning applicable to agency policy and operations; addresses the gap in research between CCS project design and PARKS emission goals; planning procedures, and budget policies, and identifies challenges in implementing CCS projects in state parks. To be successful, CCS offset projects within state parks must address concerns of certification, additionality, disruptions, and permanence of carbon stocks. PARKS’ demonstrated ability to operationalize core stewardship values and conservation policy that supports stable carbon pools in forests across the diverse landscape of Washington make them an ideal CCS project manager.