The Overview

Ever wondered what happens to the carbon dioxide companies capture from smokestacks and factories? Ohio's House Bill 170 became law after Gov. Mike DeWine (R) signed it on June 24, setting up a process to regulate carbon capture technologies and the geologic storage of carbon dioxide. The new law sets up a process to regulate carbon capture and storage technologies and the geologic storage of carbon dioxide for the long term. ​

The law arrives as questions grow about carbon capture's practical limits: an Associated Press-reported study found fewer suitable underground storage sites worldwide than earlier estimates, and Reuters has documented pipeline permit setbacks and at least one storage-site pause over drinking-water concerns. Before this law, Ohio had no dedicated framework to permit or oversee such projects. The law took effect Sept. 23.

What the Law Does

The law creates a process to regulate carbon capture and storage technologies and the geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide for long-term storage, adding 11 new sections to Ohio's Revised Code.

The pore-space provisions matter for landowners in particular. Carbon dioxide injected underground must go somewhere, and the law sets out who controls that space and under what conditions, giving surface owners and mineral rights holders a defined legal footing before any project breaks ground.

Ohio Corn & Wheat said the law "keeps important protections in place for landowners" and offers "a clear path forward" for projects. Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel said the law would "streamline the process, promote energy security, environmental protection, and ensure Ohio has the tools to attract new" investment.

Legislative Status

The bill's lead sponsors were Rep. Monica Blasdel (R-OH-79) and Rep. Bob Peterson (R-OH-91). Cosponsors included Rep. Cindy Abrams (R-OH-29), Rep. Adam Bird (R-OH-63), Rep. Sean Brennan (D-OH-14), Rep. Tex Fischer (R-OH-59), and Rep. Ty Mathews (R-OH-83), along with seven others.

The House passed the bill 93 to four on Oct. 8, 2025. The Senate passed it 30 to zero on May 20, 2026. The House then approved the Senate's amendments 93 to zero on June 3. Gov. DeWine signed the bill on June 24.

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