Crenshaw, Pfluger Want EPA Approval for Carbon Storage Wells

Texas Reps. Dan Crenshaw (R) and August Pfluger (R) have introduced a bill that forces the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to act faster on state applications to regulate Class VI injection wells, which is a key technology for carbon capture and storage.

The Primary Act of 2025 would amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the EPA to decide on state applications within 180 days. If a decision is not made in those 180 days, states with similar existing programs would automatically receive approval after 210 days.

The bill also calls for a dedicated EPA liaison for state coordination, directs federal infrastructure funds to permit processing, and mandates annual reports to Congress on staffing and resource needs.

Texas has been waiting more than two years for the EPA to approve its Class VI “primacy” application, which would allow state regulators to issue permits for the wells.

Industry advocates argue that delays have stalled investment and slowed carbon capture projects.

In a statement, Rep. Pfluger argued that “far too often, bureaucratic red tape gets in the way of those who know the energy industry best. "This bill puts power back into the hands of state regulators who know their geology, and how to support it, best,” he added

Rep. Crenshaw commented that granting states the authority would “cut down on lengthy review times and redundant bureaucratic red tape,” calling Class VI wells “a net benefit to the economy and the environment – a win for everyone.”

Leaders in the industry welcomed the bill, noting its benefits.

Todd Staples, the president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association, praised the effort, telling the Reporter-Telegram that the Class VI primacy would “unlock a whole new economic sector with trillions in investments” and “good paying jobs.”

Scott Castleman of the Houston CCS Alliance said Texans “overwhelmingly showed their support for primacy” and that the bill could help other states avoid “unnecessary delays” in their own applications.

Occidental Petroleum recently became the first company to receive EPA Class VI permits for a direct air capture project in Texas, which highlights the importance of timely approvals.