The Validation Phase of the Regional Partnerships Initiative focuses on validating the most promising regional opportunities to deploy sequestration technologies. In announcing the Validation Phase in June of 2005, Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman emphasized the goal of the initiative stating, "By moving carbon sequestration technology from the laboratory to the field, we are another step closer to significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining the important role coal plays in America's energy mix." The Validation Phase builds upon Characterization Phase accomplishments and begins field testing sequestration technologies in areas designated as favorable for carbon storage. Two different types of sequestration options will be pursued by the partnerships; geological and terrestrial. Geological field tests will explore several options for storing carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases in geological formations, such as depleted oil and natural gas fields, saline formations, and unminable coal seams. Terrestrial field tests will investigate ways of using forest and agricultural practices to uptake additional carbon in plants, soils, and other vegetation. Appropriate measurement technologies will be employed to monitor the fate of the stored CO₂ and satisfy emerging registries and markets. Other activities will include refining regional characterizations, public outreach and education, and regulatory compliance issues for the respective field projects. The Validation Phase aims to use the knowledge gained from these validation procedures and tests to develop commercially viable technologies that will be integral to a carbon management strategy.