Texas Strengthens Its Position in Carbon Storage Development

The Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA) is celebrating a major milestone after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officially approved Texas' application for Class VI Primacy, granting the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) full regulatory authority over Class VI wells used for carbon capture and storage (CCS).

The decision positions Texas as the premier global destination for large-scale CCS investment and development.

"Today's approval is a watershed moment that launches the next chapter of Texas energy leadership," said TXOGA President Todd Staples. "We appreciate the EPA's thorough review and their confidence in the RRC's world-class regulatory expertise. Texas is now poised to lead the world in CCS, which means more investment and more jobs for Texans."

The approval comes after a rigorous, multi-year evaluation process by the EPA, which examined Texas' regulatory structure, technical standards, environmental safeguards, and the RRC's long record of managing complex energy systems.

With this decision, Texas gains a state-led, predictable, and streamlined permitting framework, eliminating the lengthy federal delays that have slowed CCS projects nationwide.

Experts believe that the regulatory certainty is expected to unlock significant private investment, accelerate projects, and create a new wave of skilled jobs and innovation across the Texas economy.

For Texas, the decision marks a strategic leap into the emerging global carbon-management economy. TXOGA says it looks forward to partnering with the RRC to ensure safe, effective, and transparent implementation of CCS across the state.

With EPA approval secured, Texas is now positioned to become the world's leading hub for next-generation carbon storage innovation.