Free Carbonated Water?

A couple of years ago, while I knew the word "sequestering," I would have been hard pressed to suggest a use for it other than the forced incarceration of juries, to which the word "sequestration" is quaintly applied by our legal profession. Certainly the phrase "carbon sequestration" would've drawn a blank stare from anybody except certain scientists.

Carbon sequestration, or the forced incarceration of carbon gas so that it does not contribute to global warming, is now commonly discussed, though still rarely implemented. Trapping it by pumping the gas deep underground is the plan:

Today, EPA is proposing a rule that supports promising technologies to prevent industrial emissions of carbon dioxide. Secure, long-term underground storage of the greenhouse gas is one way scientific innovation could lessen the effects of climate change.

"Today's proposal paves the way for technologies that would protect public health and help reduce the effects of climate change," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "With proper site selection and management, geologic sequestration could play a major role in reducing emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere."

EPA's proposed regulation creates a consistent, national framework for the injection of carbon dioxide underground and protection of underground drinking water resources. The rule would create a new class of injection wells under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act's Underground Injection Control (UIC) program.

The proposed rule builds on the existing UIC program, including extensive requirements to ensure wells are appropriately located, constructed, tested, monitored, and ultimately, closed with proper funding. It would apply to owners and operators of wells that will be used to inject carbon dioxide into the subsurface for the purpose of long-term storage.

Carbon capture and storage is part of a portfolio of technologies available to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. EPA is coordinating with the Department of Energy on carbon sequestration research and development

Of course, if the CO₂ does migrate to the drinking water supply, would we not all enjoy free carbonated water and thus reduce the use of bottled carbonated water or carbonation systems?

Just a wild thought...