Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, attended a significant event in Washington, D.C., where the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved West Virginia's request to regulate carbon dioxide injection into deep rock formations. The approval grants West Virginia authority over the Class VI well program for carbon capture, utilization, and storage projects.

Senator Capito expressed her satisfaction with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's decision: "I’m thrilled that Administrator Zeldin has affirmed his support for West Virginia’s approval to permit Class VI wells for carbon capture, and that we are officially bringing this important authority to those who know our state best."

Administrator Zeldin emphasized the importance of local governance: “To Power the Great American Comeback, we need to produce more energy right here in the United States, and that requires cooperative federalism and permitting reform. As one of my first acts as EPA Administrator, I am proud to sign this rule to allow West Virginia the independence it needs to permit and regulate itself."

Senator Capito has been a long-time advocate for granting Class VI well primacy to West Virginia. She introduced legislation in May 2023 aimed at streamlining state applications for such wells. In November 2023, she urged quicker action from the EPA on state primacy for these storage wells and supported funding allocations from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The signing event was attended by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Congressman Riley Moore.