RRC advances plan to streamline CCS injection well permits
The Railroad Commission of Texas advanced its effort to gain primacy from the US Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) for Class VI injection wells used for underground storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) from energy production, power generation, or industrial sources.
RRC’s commissioners approved the publishing of proposed amendments to the agency’s CO2 rules for public comment. The proposed changes and other information will be sent to EPA as part of a pre-application for primacy and allow EPA a chance to start its review.
If ultimately approved by the EPA, operators would apply with the RRC for the permits rather than both agencies.
The proposed amendments would modify various sections of RRC rules, including those describing the applicability of the rules, application requirements, notice and hearing requirements, permit standards and reporting, recordkeeping, and more, RRC said.
“Clearly, there is concern today about levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and its impact on the environment,” said Leslie Savage, RRC’s chief geologist. “Class VI injection wells have the potential to be part of the solution by trapping the CO2 in appropriate geologic formations. We hope our program will be able to streamline the process and allow for the timely issuing of Class VI permits.”
Primacy allows the EPA to delegate its authority to states, provided they meet the federal government’s minimum standards.