EPA gives OK to La. UIC program

DALLAS - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has opened public comment on a proposal to grant the State of Louisiana’s request for primary responsibility of Class VI wells under the Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program, which regulates the injection of carbon dioxide (CO2) into deep rock formation. Class VI injection wells - when used as a part of carbon capture and storage and carbon dioxide removal projects - are a critical tool for cutting carbon emissions and combatting the climate crisis. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA has developed specific criteria to ensure that when CO2 is stored underground to reduce greenhouse gases, underground sources of drinking water are protected. "EPA is moving with urgency to combat the climate crisis. and this proposal would help leverage critical technologies" to cut harmful pollution that could jeopardize people’s health and safety, said EPA Region 6 Administrator Earthea Nance. 

In working to finalize the proposal, EPA is seeking public feedback and will continue to prioritize protections for overburdened communities in order to ensure them "a meaningful seat at the table,” she said.

EPA has determined that Louisiana’s Class VI UIC program meets all requirements. EPA is requesting public comments on its proposed decision within 60 days of publication. EPA will hold an in-person public hearing on June 15 in Baton Rouge. 

Learn more at https://www.epa.gov/uic/underground-injection-control-epa-region-6-ar-la-nm-ok-and-tx 

In addition to the public hearing, EPA requests comments be sent via the Federal Register, docket number EPA-HQ-OW-2023-0073. For more information: : https://www.epa.gov/uic/primary-enforcement-authority-underground-injection-control-program-0

 Background: UIC Class VI injection wells are used to store underground carbon dioxide that has been captured from an emissions source or atmosphere. Class VI injection wells are a critical tool for reducing carbon emissions to meet mid-century climate goals. CO2 is injected through specially constructed wells that deposit and store material deep beneath the earth in rock formations. These formations must be tested and evaluated to ensure that geologic formations are suitable for the safe containment of CO2 for long-term storage. This technology will provide well-paying jobs and can be implemented in an environmentally responsible way.