EPA proposes to let Utah permit wells that store carbon dioxide underground

Official title: Utah Underground Injection Control Program; Class VI Primacy

Summary written by AI from the Federal Register document and checked against it by a second AI model.

• Climate and greenhouse gases
• Water and wetlands

• Read it on FederalRegister.gov ↗
• Docket EPA-HQ-OW-2026-0496 on Regulations.gov ↗

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to approve Utah's request to take over permitting and enforcement for Class VI injection wells, which store carbon dioxide deep underground. The Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining would issue and enforce these permits anywhere in the state except Indian lands, where EPA keeps authority. EPA says Utah's program meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. Comments are due December 7, 2026, and EPA will hold one virtual public hearing.