DEEPTaskforce

Methodology

How our policies and resources are identified and assessed.

We keep full methodological protocols behind every entry in the policy tracker and the resource library. Contact us if you want to know more.

  1. 01

    Scope

    Our scope is deliberately narrow: we cover only compliance mechanisms that mandate or directly enable geological-timescale carbon storage. This means we do not track all carbon markets, all climate policies, or all forms of carbon storage. We track what works to durably store carbon, and the policies that require it to happen.

  2. 02

    Inclusion and exclusion criteria

    To be included in the tracker and resource library, an idea must:

    • Create or propose a binding obligation on specific entities.
    • In version 1.0, be implemented or proposed in Europe and/or North America.
    • Directly mandate or enable geological-timescale storage via one of the storage methods we cover.
    • Be referenced in a reliable, verifiable source.
    • Be available in English or verified translation.
    • Pass our conflict-of-interest checks.

    For a full overview of the criteria, download the methodologies above.

  3. 03

    Data collection, use of AI and quality control

    Desk-based scoping

    Taskforce researchers conduct an initial manual review of government portals, academic databases, and existing climate policy databases, informed by network input.

    AI-driven discovery and screening

    Manual mapping is used as a prompting foundation for AI-driven identification and tagging. We use Anthropic's Claude API due to its capacity for complex document analysis.

    Quality control

    Every entry is independently cross-checked by at least two Taskforce researchers before publication. Entries are updated and version-logged at least annually.

  4. 04

    Review and version

    The current version is Version 1.0, published on [date]. All entries are reviewed at least annually. The methodology itself is a living document, with each element subject to change upon annual review by Taskforce members and contributors.

  5. 05

    Limitations

    Geographical and language constraints

    V1.0 covers Europe and North America in English only. Additional geographies and languages will be added as the Taskforce grows.

    Comprehensiveness

    We aim for thorough coverage, but sub-national instruments may not always be captured, whether by manual or AI-driven means.

    AI accuracy

    AI-assisted discovery may, at times, produce errors. Human review is applied to all outputs, but cannot guarantee perfection.

  6. 06

    Legal disclaimer

    Version 1.0 contains information dated up to 1 September 2026. The Taskforce does not guarantee completeness beyond this date. Users relying on the tracker for policy or legal purposes should verify data independently against primary sources. The tracker is for information and research purposes only and does not constitute legal or policy advice. Governing law for any disputes: [to be confirmed].

  7. 07

    How to cite us

    DEEP Taskforce (2026). Policy Tracker: Compliance-based Durable Carbon Storage Policies in Europe and North America. Version 1.0. Carbon Balance Initiative, American University, Arizona State University.

    DEEP Taskforce (2026). Resource Library. Version 1.0. Carbon Balance Initiative, American University, Arizona State University.