(AGENPARL) – Mon 09 June 2025 EPA Proposes to Approve Texas’ Application to Administer Class VI Underground Injection Well Program
Keeping promise to fast track UIC permitting, expand cooperative federalism and bolster energy dominance
June 9, 2025 
Contact Information 
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its proposed approval of Texas’ request to administer permitting under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) for Class VI underground injection wells in the state. This action recognizes that Texas is best positioned to protect its underground sources of drinking water while advancing economic growth and energy dominance. When finalized, Texas will administer the full scope of underground injection control (UIC) programs to protect underground sources of drinking water while supporting the state’s economic goals. 
“In the Safe Drinking Water Act, Congress laid out a clear vision for delegating decision-making from EPA to states that have local expertise and understand their water resources, geology, communities, and opportunities for economic growth,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “Today, EPA is taking a key step to support cooperative federalism by proposing to approve Texas to permit Class VI wells in the state.” 
“The state of Texas has effectively and reliably administered programs for underground injection wells while protecting drinking water sources for decades. I am confident their success will continue with Class VI wells,” said Region 6 Administrator Scott Mason. “The primacy application review is technical and thorough, and I appreciate the cooperation of the Texas Railroad Commission throughout this process.” 
“Texas is a leader in energy production, and part of that is pioneering carbon capture and storage practices,” said Senator John Cornyn (R-TX). “The proposed approval of Texas’ application for primacy over underground water injection wells is a step in the right direction. If approved, Texas will be to be able to efficiently and responsibly take control of its own permitting process, and I urge the EPA to swiftly issue a final rule approving Texas’ application.”
“For years, I’ve been fighting to help get primacy of Class VI wells for Texas. No one knows the geology of Texas better than our own Railroad Commission,” said Representative Dan Crenshaw (R-TX-02). “This announcement will speed up the deployment of carbon capture projects in our state, leading to more jobs and less emissions. I am incredibly pleased with Administrator Zeldin and the exceptional job he is doing to ensure a cooperative relationship between the federal government and our states.”
“I’m encouraged to see real progress from the EPA on the long-stalled Class VI wells primacy issue in Texas thanks to Administrator Zeldin and his team,” said Representative August Pfluger (R-TX-11). “After four years of inaction from the Biden-Harris administration, it’s refreshing to work with an EPA that prioritizes working with Congress. This win for the Permian Basin and all energy producers alike by improving oversight efficiency, streamlining the permitting process, and fostering innovation in the growing field of carbon capture.”
“This is great news for Texas. We’re thankful to have a commonsense EPA under Administrator Lee Zeldin—one that recognizes Texas has been leading the charge on carbon capture,” said Representative Randy Weber (R-TX-14). “The Trump administration understands that Texas is already exceeding standards and will allow us to cut through the bureaucratic red tape so we can keep moving forward with innovation and energy security.”
“I support the EPA’s proposal to grant Texas primacy over Class VI wells. I have long been proud to support this decision in a bipartisan manner,” said Representative Marc Veasey (D-TX-33). “Texas innovators know CCUS is critical for cutting emissions and growing domestic manufacturing.”
“These are promising steps in Texas’s efforts to reduce carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere,” said Representative Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-34). “From the construction of a Direct Air Capture facility in Kleberg County, to the proposed approval announced today, we are ensuring a healthier planet for generations to come.”
The State of Texas has already obtained primacy to administer UIC programs for Class I – V wells. After conducting a comprehensive technical and legal review, EPA is proposing to determine that Texas’ UIC Class VI program meets all requirements for approval and that the state will implement and enforce the program consistent with the SDWA. When finalized, Texas would have primacy for all UIC well-types, allowing better coordination and improved efficiencies as the state administers these programs going forward.  
To date, four states have received primacy for Class VI wells with three of those approvals coming under President Trump’s leadership.
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Environmental Protection Agency, 1201 Elm Street, Suite 500, Dallas, TX 75270 United States