Texas Granted Primacy Over Class VI Wells
November 12, 2025AUSTIN – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it has approved the State of Texas’ application and will be granting Class VI Underground Injection Control (UIC) primacy to the state.
This approval will give the Railroad Commission of Texas primary enforcement authority for Class VI wells, which are used for the injection of carbon dioxide into deep underground rock formations for permanent storage.
“This approval by the EPA recognizes RRC’s expertise to add Class VI wells to our UIC program, to continue our work of protecting Texans and our natural resources,” said Wei Wang, RRC Executive Director. “Additionally, primacy will streamline the application process and provide the regulatory certainty that is critical to Texas, which is one of the most productive energy regions in the world.”
The RRC has a long history of regulating various classes of injection wells, providing strong oversight and protecting underground sources of drinking water, and its UIC program has been commended by the EPA Region 6 during annual evaluations.
“Approving Texas’ request to be in charge of this critical program is a big step forward for cooperative federalism—as big as the state of Texas,” said Regional Administrator Scott Mason. “The Texas Railroad Commission has demonstrated that the state is ready, willing, and able to add Class VI wells to its underground injection control program, and the Trump Administration is proud to support Texas as it shows once again that you can protect natural resources and grows our nation’s energy economy at the same time.”
Since 2021, the RRC has been proactively developing its Class VI program, with RRC staff reviewing permit applications alongside EPA’s Region 6 office. As a result, the RRC will hit the ground running ready to safely and effectively manage the permitting process.
The duties and responsibilities for the Class VI program are handled by geologists and engineers in the Special Injection Permits Unit with a combined 140 years of industry experience and 50+ years of Texas regulatory experience. In September, the RRC was also awarded the UIC Class VI grant from the EPA which will provide an additional $1.93 million in funding to support implementation.
The RRC currently has received 18 applications and is aware of additional projects that are being planned by industry in Texas.
For more information on the Class VI wells visit: https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/faqs/primacy-faq/
About the Railroad Commission:
Our mission is to serve Texas by our stewardship of natural resources and the environment, our concern for personal and community safety, and our support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans. The Commission has a long and proud history of service to both Texas and to the nation, including more than 100 years regulating the oil and gas industry. The Commission also has jurisdiction over alternative fuels safety, natural gas utilities, surface mining and intrastate pipelines. Established in 1891, the Railroad Commission of Texas is the oldest regulatory agency in the state. To learn more, please visit https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/.