# Carbon sequestration project at Elk Hills

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/carbon-sequestration-project-at-elk-hills
> Updated: 2026-08-10T21:25:52.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

California Resources Corp. has commenced carbon dioxide injection at Elk Hills, a century-old oil field in Kern County. This initiative marks the first carbon sequestration site in California.

While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved the injections, the project is proceeding despite a lack of specific state-level regulatory frameworks. Although state lawmakers mandated that regulators establish guidelines for monitoring, permit coordination, and cleanup costs by January 2025, the California Air Resources Board has not yet adopted these rules.

This regulatory gap has led to concerns regarding long-term liability and environmental accountability. Proponents, including Governor Gavin Newsom, view the technology as a vital innovation for meeting emissions reduction targets. Conversely, critics and legal representatives from Earthjustice have raised questions regarding the long-term responsibility for potential environmental impacts.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-10: California Resources Corp. begins first carbon storage project at Elk Hills

California Resources Corp. has launched the state’s first carbon sequestration project at Elk Hills, though missing state regulations raise questions about liability and oversight.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-resources-corp-begins-first-carbon-storage-project-at-elk-hills

### 2026-08-08: Elk Hills becomes California’s first carbon sequestration site

California Resources Corp. has launched the state’s first carbon sequestration project at Elk Hills, though regulatory frameworks for monitoring and financial liability remain unfinished.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elk-hills-becomes-californias-first-carbon-sequestration-site

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Cite as: Carbon sequestration project at Elk Hills. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/carbon-sequestration-project-at-elk-hills