WASHINGTON, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- New rules are in force that will protect drinking water and report the amount of carbon dioxide sequestered through carbon-capture technology, the EPA said.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it finalized rules that govern the sequestration of carbon dioxide.
"By providing clarity about greenhouse gas reporting and the necessary protections for drinking water sources during carbon sequestration, we've cleared the way for people to use this promising technology," said EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson in a statement.
Carbon capture and sequestration technologies are employed at power facilities and other major emitters to prevent greenhouse gases from reaching the atmosphere.
U.S. President Barack Obama in August convened a task force to provide recommendations to govern CCS technology.
The EPA rules require emitters to make sure water is safe from contamination associated with CCS and calls for appropriate reporting on the amount of carbon dioxide sequestered.
"We're taking a major step towards path breaking innovations that will reduce greenhouse gases and put America in the forefront of the clean energy economy," added Jackson.