Petroplex News

Congressmen August Pfluger and Dan Crenshaw have called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to expedite the review of the Texas Railroad Commission’s (RRC) application for primary enforcement responsibility over Class VI underground injection control wells. These wells are crucial for advancing carbon capture technology in Texas.

The EPA currently faces a backlog of over 160 Class VI well applications, with only eight final permit decisions issued. The average permitting time ranges from three to six years. If the RRC is granted authority to oversee these permits, developers could bypass the slow federal approval process and apply directly to the RRC, which has extensive experience managing Texas’ geology.

In their letter, Pfluger and Crenshaw stated, "We believe that prioritizing the review of the RRC’s application will benefit the EPA by establishing a clear precedent for review timelines. This will help streamline the approval process for future applications from other states, facilitate the launch of new CCUS projects, and ensure the implementation of appropriate environmental protections...By reviewing RRC’s application in a timely manner, the EPA will enable more efficient oversight, streamline permitting processes, and foster innovation in the growing field of carbon capture."

The letter emphasizes that the RRC's application meets all statutory requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and highlights its regulatory frameworks for subsurface injection activities. Timely approval could set a precedent for other states aiming to accelerate their carbon capture initiatives.

Pfluger and Crenshaw further noted that "the RRC has worked extensively with the EPA throughout the pre-application process" and demonstrated "a long-standing commitment to regulatory excellence." They argue that granting primacy would empower local stakeholders to have a more direct role in regulation.

They concluded by expressing confidence in RRC's capability to manage Class VI wells safely while protecting environmental standards. They urged swift action from Administrator Lee Zeldin on this matter.