EPA announced on April 10 that the agency has approved North Dakota’s request to implement and enforce its own Class VI Underground Injection Control (UIC) program. This decision makes North Dakota the first state to receive primacy for permitting Class VI UIC wells, which are used for long-term storage of carbon dioxide from CO2 emissions. EPA will continue administering the program for all Class VI wells on Indian lands within the state.
EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt remarked, “The State of North Dakota is a proven partner in the safe and responsible development of our country’s natural resources. We are practicing cooperative federalism and increasing the state’s involvement in local environmental protection. EPA will work with the state to ensure a smooth transition and that all North Dakotans continue to have safe drinking water.”