Why it matters for the economy, air quality, and community future  

For over a decade, Texas has led the way in geologic exploration and subsurface expertise, and that deep-rooted knowledge is proving valuable in the growing world of carbon storage. Add in the state’s low-cost capture opportunities and long history of moving materials through pipeline infrastructure, and it’s easy to see why Texas is becoming a hub for carbon management development.   

From job creation, economic security and cleaner air, carbon management offers real, tangible benefits. But public understanding of these technologies is still catching up, and continued community engagement will be important moving forward. Let’s break it down. Here are three essential things to know about carbon management in Texas and why it matters for communities, workers, and the environment. 

1. Texas has the infrastructure and expertise to lead. 

Texas has long been at the heart of the US energy and industry economy. That history, combined with existing industrial infrastructure and geologic potential, makes the state a top pick for leading the charge on carbon management technologies.  

• According to the Global CCS Institute’s 2024 Global Status of CCS report, Texas has 19 operational and announced projects. There are 18 Class VI well projects in Texas, involving 57 wells in total, one of which has been approved.  

• The Permian Basin of Texas is especially well-suited for direct air capture (DAC), thanks to its geology and concentration of industrial sites. In 2023, the Great Plains Institute (GPI) released An Atlas of Direct Air Capture, in collaboration with Carbon Solutions LLC, and the report identified the Permian Basin as one of the most promising areas in the country for DAC projects.  

• Texas has a rich history in energy production, dating back to its initial major oil boom in 1901, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The state continues to establish itself as a leader in domestic energy production and projects, now including the adoption of carbon management projects.  

This infrastructure allows Texas to scale technologies that capture and store carbon dioxide from industrial processes or even directly from the air. 

2. Carbon management brings major economic opportunity. 

Let’s talk about what this means for Texas’s economy. Carbon management isn’t just about innovating industrial facilities or reducing emissions—it’s also a driver of investment and long-term economic growth.    

A 2023 state-by-state analysis by Rhodium Group and the Great Plains Institute shows just how big the potential is. The analysis highlights the workforce and investment opportunities tied to retrofitting 93 existing industrial facilities with carbon capture technology in Texas, as well as building out the infrastructure needed to transport and store CO₂. The analysis showed retrofitting these facilities could:  

• Attract up to $62 billion in private investment  

• Capture 158 million metric tons of CO₂ annually  

• Support an annual average of up to 14,790 investment and 9,075 operational jobs over 15 years. These jobs span project construction, facility operations, and supporting infrastructure.  

Importantly, many of these roles build on the skills Texas workers already use in the oil, gas, and energy sectors, creating opportunities for career continuity and a more resilient energy economy. 

3. Texans want cleaner air and more energy choices. 

Public support is growing for energy solutions that improve air quality and boost economic opportunity, without abandoning the industries that have powered communities.  

According to the Conservative Texans for Energy Innovation’s 2025 Texas Statewide Clean Energy Survey:  

• 84 percent of Texans say homeowners and businesses should have more energy choices to drive innovation and lower costs.  

• 82 percent support scaling clean energy for healthier air and less pollution.  

• 80 percent agree Texas should lead in clean energy to create good-paying jobs.  

• 73 percent of voters are in favor of carbon capture technology.  

These findings cut across party lines, showing a shared desire to reduce emissions without relying on strict mandates. Texans want solutions that are effective, flexible, and built on the state’s strengths.  

And carbon management helps do just that. Beyond cutting climate pollution, carbon management technologies can also reduce harmful air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM2.5), as reported in GPI’s report, Carbon Capture Co-benefits: Carbon Capture’s Role in Removing Pollutants and Reducing Health Impacts. Lowering the amount of these pollutants can contribute to better health outcomes across communities.  

What About Safety?  

Carbon management is not new. In fact, the US has over 50 years of experience safely capturing, transporting, and storing CO₂. Today, more than 5,000 miles of CO₂ pipelines operate across the country, moving millions of metric tons of CO₂ each year while limiting major incidents. Check out the Great Plains Institute’s issue brief on the safety record of CO₂ pipelines to learn more.  

That said, concerns about safety, fairness, and transparency deserve real attention, not just reassurances. True community engagement means making sure local voices shape projects, not just learn about them once decisions are made.  

What’s next for Texas? 

Carbon management can play a key role in expanding and innovating important industries of the Texas economy. It helps keep jobs local, reduces industrial pollution, and builds on the state’s long-standing energy expertise. 

At the same time, carbon management must be paired with broader strategies for listening to local voices in project planning, expanding opportunity in communities facing disproportionate environmental burdens, and improving public health outcomes, especially in areas historically burdened by pollution. Community trust is not optional. It is the foundation of any successful project. 

The good news? Texans are already on board with innovation, economic development, and cleaner air. The question now is how we scale solutions such as carbon management in a way that benefits everyone. 

Stay connected. 

Get monthly updates and insights by signing up for our newsletter. Questions or ideas? Reach us at: [email protected].