Leasing State-Owned Pore Spaces for Carbon Sequestration

This bill authorizes the leasing and development of state-owned "pore spaces" underlying state forests, natural and scenic areas and wildlife management areas for the purpose of carbon sequestration. State parks are excluded. Leasing would be to the highest auction bidder. The Director of DNR can award leases without competitive bidding under certain circumstances.

Sponsors: Charles Trump, Craig Blair, Bill Hamilton, Jason Barrett, Robert Karnes, Patricia Rucker

ISSUES: Climate, Development, Land & Wildlife

CWV Position: Opposes

Status: Introduced 1/12/23, committee reference dispensed with, passed Senate unanimously 1/12/23, sent to House, referred to Judiciary, passed with amendment and made effective from passage 1/19/23; approved by Governor 1/24/23