California took a leap forward in efforts to store captured CO 2 underground in a statewide first, following Kern County's approval of California Resources Corp. 's (CRC) permit for the Carbon TerraVault 1 carbon capture and storage (CCS) project. CRC announced the milestone for its Carbon TerraVault carbon management business Oct. 21. The unanimous approval of a conditional use permit by the Kern County Board of Supervisors clears the company to start construction activities for the project. "This is a significant step forward for Kern County and CRC in supporting energy transition in California," CRC CEO Francisco Leon said in a news release. "We believe that carbon capture technology will lead to the creation of new energy jobs and improve air quality in Kern County." CCS is expected to play a major role in lowering greenhouse-gas emissions.