BUFFALO - The public is welcome to attend an informational meeting about one of the latest technologies that might be used in the fight against climate change - carbon capture and sequestration - the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced.

The information session is slated for 3 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Katharine Jackson Carnahan Center multipurpose room at Jamestown Community College, 525 Falconer Street, Jamestown. It will be held by the New York State Interagency Carbon Capture and Sequestration Working Group.

New York State is a leader in taking action to address climate change. The state is implementing a broad portfolio of tactics to address climate change - from programs to encourage energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy, to participation in the nation's first mandatory carbon cap-and-trade program. One technology under consideration is carbon capture and sequestration (CCS).

CCS is a process that begins with capturing carbon dioxide from a source that burns fossil fuels, such as a coal-fired power plant. The carbon dioxide is then compressed, transported to a suitable location, and injected deep underground for permanent storage. This process is know as geologic sequestration. Many experts believe that this process might help bridge the transition from the current fossil-fuel-based economy to a low-carbon energy future.

Recognizing that many residents have questions or concerns about the potential environmental effects of CCS, the working group has organized this public information session about this technology. The session will include a number of exhibits related to various aspects of CCS development and deployment in New York. Agency staff will be available to explain the exhibits, answer questions and hear any concerns that participants may have. Those interested may come at any time between 3 and 8 p.m. There will be brief overview presentations at 4, 6 and 7 p.m.

The State Interagency Carbon Capture and Sequestration Working Group consists of staff from several New York agencies and authorities: Office of Governor David Patterson, Office of the Attorney General, Empire State Development Corporation, State Energy Research and Development Authority, State Museum, New York Power Authority, and the departments of Environmental Conservation and Public Service.

Information on CSS is available at www.nyscrda.org/programs/Environment/EMEP.