EPA proposes Alaska control carbon wells

Seven states now hold authority to permit carbon dioxide injection wells. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on October 27, 2026, that it is proposing to grant Alaska the same power, known as primacy. This would allow the state to manage permits under the Safe Drinking Water Act for Class VI underground injection wells. These specific wells are used to pump carbon dioxide from industrial processes and energy production into deep rock formations.

The proposal marks a shift in how the federal government oversees carbon sequestration. If finalized, the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission will issue and enforce compliance for these permits. Currently, the EPA retains oversight, but the new framework relies on the state to ensure underground sources of drinking water remain protected. The agency states its preliminary review found that Alaska’s existing Underground Injection Control program meets all necessary requirements.

Emma Pokon, the EPA Region 10 Administrator, framed the move as a return of power to the state. She said, “At the Trump EPA, we believe that the people of Alaska know their energy needs and how to protect their air, land, and water better than anyone sitting in an office building in Washington, DC.” Pokon argued that this step supports American energy dominance while maintaining environmental safeguards.

Jessie Chmielowski, a commissioner with the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, emphasized the collaborative aspect of the transition. “The AOGCC values its strong working relationship with the EPA and looks forward to continuing that collaboration,” Chmielowski said. The commission believes the new authority will build on existing expertise from Class II regulatory work, ensuring safe development of geologic carbon storage projects.

This action follows a pattern established over the past year. Since 2025, the EPA has approved similar primacy requests from West Virginia, Texas, Arizona, and Colorado. The agency stated it is expediting the review of these applications and permits. This effort is supported in part by funding from an interagency agreement with the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council.

The EPA has opened a 45-day window for public comment on the proposal. The agency will also host a virtual public hearing. If the rule is finalized, Alaska will join the growing list of states managing their own carbon injection permitting processes.