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Committee advances AB 881 to clear path for state carbon-pipeline rules, draws divided support
Summary
AB 881 would direct the California State Fire Marshal to develop pipeline safety standards for carbon dioxide pipelines and allow the state to lift its pipeline moratorium if standards are adopted.
Assemblymember Petrie-Norris introduced AB 881 and told the committee the bill is intended to create a state regulatory pathway for carbon dioxide pipelines so California can deploy carbon capture, utilization and sequestration projects while maintaining safety standards.
“In January of 2025 a draft of those federal regulations was released… what comes next from the federal government is unknown,” Petrie-Norris said, arguing the state should be prepared to set standards that allow safe projects and capture federal funding.
Supporters included the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), the California Carbon Solutions Coalition, labor unions and a coalition of utilities and business groups. SMUD’s representative told the committee carbon capture is one of the few available technologies to cover the remaining ‘‘last 10%’’ of emissions from certain plants and that AB 881 would both protect public safety and create high-road jobs.
Opponents included environmental and climate groups who argued CO2 pipelines pose new public-safety risks. Witnesses from environmental-justice organizations raised concerns about dense, asphyxiant CO2 clouds forming after pipeline failures, noting incidents elsewhere including Satartia, Mississippi, where CO2 release created hazards. They urged stronger, more prescriptive direction to the State Fire Marshal and more detailed protections for frontline communities.
The committee adopted amendments discussed during the hearing that the author said addressed some safety concerns. The committee then voted to give the bill a due-pass recommendation to the Assembly appropriations committee.
