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.
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Key Dates
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