Texas Grabs Reins on Underground Carbon Storage Wells
Published Date: 6/17/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Texas wants to take charge of special underground wells that safely store carbon to protect our drinking water. If approved, the Texas Railroad Commission will handle permits and rules for these wells, making sure everything stays safe and sound. This change means Texas will lead the way on carbon storage, with no extra costs for the public and a smooth transition coming soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Program Intended to Protect Drinking Water
The proposed Texas UIC Class VI program would regulate injection wells used for geologic carbon sequestration to safely store carbon and protect drinking water in Texas. The EPA received Texas' application to take primacy for these Class VI wells under SDWA section 1422.
Texas to Run Carbon Storage Permits
The EPA proposes to approve Texas' application under Safe Drinking Water Act section 1422 so the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) can issue and enforce Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI permits for geologic carbon sequestration wells located in the State of Texas. This proposed approval would apply to wells in Texas but would not apply to wells on Indian lands.
No Extra Public Costs Claimed
The application and proposed approval are described as imposing no extra costs for the public in connection with Texas taking primacy for Class VI injection wells used for geologic carbon sequestration. The proposal would let the RRC handle permits and enforcement within the State of Texas.
Indian Lands Are Excluded
The proposed approval would not apply to Class VI injection wells on Indian lands; those locations are explicitly excluded from the Texas program. Wells on Indian lands would remain outside the scope of the State of Texas' UIC Class VI implementation described in this action.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13667, Minor New Source Review Program Air Permitting Public Participation Requirements for State Implementation Plans
The EPA wants to give states more freedom to decide how much public input is needed when approving small air pollution sources or changes. This means local air agencies can tailor public participation to fit their community’s needs while still protecting air quality. If you’re involved in air permits, watch for comment deadlines and possible virtual hearings this summer!
2026-13263, Revisions To Establish the Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) for Public Water Systems
The EPA is rolling out the sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) to check for new, sneaky chemicals in public drinking water. Big water systems serving 3,300+ people and some smaller ones will test for 30 different contaminants, including certain PFAS and pesticides, to keep our water safe. Comments and feedback are open until late August 2026, and the EPA will host fun online meetings to chat about the plan!
2026-12927, U.S. Ecology Nevada, Inc. High Mercury Subcategory Wastes Land Disposal Restrictions Variance
The EPA is giving U.S. Ecology Nevada a special green light to handle and dispose of high-mercury waste a bit differently than usual. This means mercury waste treated in Pennsylvania can now be safely sent to U.S. Ecology’s Nevada site for disposal under new rules starting July 27, 2026. This change helps protect people and the environment while keeping mercury waste management efficient and cost-effective.
2026-11047, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants From Hazardous Waste Combustors: Residual Risk and Technology Review
The EPA just updated rules for places that burn hazardous waste, like incinerators and boilers, to keep the air safe and clean. They confirmed current standards work well but added new limits on harmful gases like hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen cyanide. These changes start June 3, 2026, and include easier electronic reporting and some new rules for startup and shutdown times—helping protect health without big costs.
2026-10641, Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Federal CCR Permit Program; Reopening of Comment Period
The EPA is reopening the comment period until June 29, 2026, for its proposed rule to create a federal permit program for safely disposing of coal ash from power plants. This affects electric utilities that handle coal waste and aims to improve environmental safety while possibly impacting their costs. Now’s the time for everyone to share their thoughts and help shape the rules!
2026-10387, Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Reconsideration of Certain Regulatory Requirements Promulgated Under the Technology Transitions Provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020
The EPA is updating rules to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals used in cooling systems like refrigerators and air conditioners. These changes affect businesses in refrigeration, supermarkets, semiconductor manufacturing, and more, allowing some older equipment made before 2025 to keep running. The new rules kick in on July 27, 2026, helping industries transition smoothly while cutting harmful emissions.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-10934, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA is updating rules for certain Airbus airplanes to keep everyone safe by replacing faulty oxygen containers. This update adds a new plane model to the list and keeps the ban on using the bad parts. Airlines need to act soon to avoid safety risks and keep their planes flying smoothly.
Next: 2025-10991, Repeal of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Fossil Fuel-Fired Electric Generating Units
The EPA wants to cancel all greenhouse gas rules for fossil fuel power plants, saying these plants don’t add a big risk to dangerous air pollution. This change affects power plants that burn coal, gas, or oil and could shift how they manage pollution. If approved, these plants might save money by not following strict limits, but it could also impact air quality rules soon.