Complex socio-technical transitions in fossil fuel country: considerations for direct air capture deployment in the U.S. Gulf Coast region

Abstract

There is growing recognition of the need for just transitions to climate-aligned workforces in communities that have traditionally relied economically on high-emissions sectors like the fossil fuel industry. Direct air capture (DAC) has been proposed as an emergent industry that could help deliver just transitions for energy communities like those in the Gulf Coast region of the United States, where there has been recent private sector interest in DAC deployment. Through focus groups across three sites in the Gulf Coast region, we reveal a complex landscape shaped by the entrenched position of the fossil fuel industry and the need for careful navigation to avoid social and economic upheaval. Community perceptions underscore the dual nature of the fossil fuel industry: providing economic stability but also contributing to environmental and health challenges. DAC emerges as a potential solution, offering shared skill sets with the fossil fuel industry, yet participants express reservations about industry risks and historical lack of community engagement. The study emphasizes the importance of community involvement in decision-making, advocating for cooperative ownership models, community advisory boards, and transparent processes. Results from qualitative focus group discussions and quantitative surveys illustrate a shift in community support for DAC after informed discussions, highlighting the importance of socio-technical considerations over technological features alone.