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5 Things We Learned About Community Engagement at CO₂NNECT 2024

5 Things We Learned About Community Engagement at CO₂NNECT 2024

Advancing Carbon Management Through Community Collaboration

The CO₂NNECT 2024 conference brought together diverse voices and expertise from across the carbon management landscape, creating a space for sharing insights on the future of carbon management deployment. U.S. Department of Energy’s Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, Brad Crabtree, set the tone with a keynote focused on the need for collaboration to drive innovation and bring meaningful benefits to communities involved in these projects.  

Here are five key takeaways from this year’s event that will shape the path forward:  

1. Community Engagement: No One-Size-Fits-All Approach

Successful carbon management projects are deeply rooted in collaboration with local communities, but there’s no single approach to engagement that works everywhere. Through case studies and real-life examples, panelists shared how each project’s engagement process is adapted to fit the unique needs and perspectives of the community it serves. Building genuine relationships with diverse stakeholders and developing community benefit agreements were highlighted as key to project success and long-term trust. Brad Crabtree’s remarks underscored the value of these partnerships in aligning industry goals with community priorities for a positive impact. 

“At DOE, we recognize that effective partnerships are those that are rooted in trust, transparency, and accountability to deliverables identified in direct consultation with communities,” Crabtree said in his remarks. “That is why DOE has developed a Community Benefits Plan framework as a core initiative to institutionalize best practice community engagement in project development.” 

Read Brad Crabtree’s full remarks here.

2. Colorado’s Commitment to Responsible Carbon Management

Colorado has taken on a leading role in responsible carbon management, particularly for hard-to-abate emissions, creating a pathway toward deep decarbonization. As speakers discussed, Colorado’s approach to carbon management is about more than technology; it’s about creating shared benefits. With community partnerships and open dialogue, Colorado has committed to including local voices in project decisions and addressing community concerns directly. The state’s focus on equitable engagement is setting a powerful example of how carbon management can bring benefits to all. Crabtree highlighted Colorado’s progress as a model for balancing technological advancement with community-centered decision-making. 

One panelist remarked: “Subsurface wise, Colorado has tremendous deep saline potential for carbon sequestration, and so when you look at potential sinks throughout the country, we are well positioned to really be a leader in this industry.” 

3. Education: A Foundation for Carbon Management Success

Education emerged as a central theme at CO₂NNECT, with experts underscoring the importance of informed communities in the carbon management process. Programs like career and technical education (CTE) initiatives and the Colorado Decision Support Tool were highlighted as valuable resources for familiarizing people with carbon management early on. From hands-on activities for K-12 students to tools for community leaders, these initiatives not only inspire the next generation but also empower communities to participate meaningfully in decision-making.

4. Equitable Engagement Starts with Transparency and Fairness

Transparent and fair processes were identified as essential for building trust in carbon management projects. Panelists discussed the need for clear, plain-language resources to help communities understand both the risks and benefits of local projects. Honest communication and clarity about what the community can influence make a significant difference in project acceptance and trust-building, even when full consensus may be difficult. This approach to equitable engagement emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and accountability. 

One panelist remarked: “People don’t want big numbers or sales pitch. They want to know how these tools or these projects are going to impact their community, and they want that in real numbers, providing locally relevant, shareable information is going to be key for effective engagement.” 

David B. Spence, Rex G. Baker Centennial Chair in Natural Resources Law professor at The University of Texas at Austin, provided opening remarks on how current political polarization intersects with climate policy and work. Spence advised how to connect with people with different beliefs or backgrounds. 

“Someone asked, how do you talk to people about these issues when everybody is so has so much animosity about the opposing party and they’re so worked up?” Spence said. “Well, you talk about it the way you would talk to a member of your family who would give you the shirt off their back.”

5. Workforce Development is Pivotal for Carbon Management’s Future

As the carbon management field grows, so does the need for a skilled, diverse, and well-prepared workforce. CO₂NNECT participants highlighted the critical role that union apprenticeships, training programs, and educational partnerships play in meeting these demands. Leaders from industry, labor organizations, and the Department of Energy shared how their workforce development investments are preparing workers for high-quality, family-sustaining careers in carbon management. A well-trained workforce not only supports project success but also strengthens the communities where these projects are based. Crabtree noted that workforce development is essential for scaling carbon management effectively, securing a sustainable future for both industries and the communities that support them.

CO₂NNECT 2024 showcased the diverse elements needed to foster a responsible, community-centered approach to carbon management. The insights shared by industry leaders, community representatives, and educators emphasized the importance of collaboration, transparency, and shared benefits, setting a positive course for the future of carbon management in Colorado and beyond. 

“If we are to deploy carbon management projects and infrastructure at climate scale, we must engage meaningfully with communities, tribes, and other impacted stakeholders—and deliver high-quality projects that create economic and environmental benefits for communities where projects are built,” Crabtree said. “And by meaningful, I mean engagement that not only seeks to inform, but also to provide opportunities for local community and stakeholder input that demonstrably helps shape the actual design and development of projects and their associated benefits.”

What’s next? 

Our CO₂NNECT conference is coming to Texas in 2025. Find more information on our event webpage and sign up for event updates here.