AUSTIN – The Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA) today celebrated the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final approval of Texas’ application for Class VI primacy. This historic decision grants the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) regulatory authority to permit Class VI wells, establishing Texas as the premier global location for carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects.

“Today’s approval is a watershed moment that launches the next chapter of Texas energy leadership. We appreciate the EPA’s thorough review and their confidence in the RRC’s world-class regulatory expertise,” said TXOGA President Todd Staples. “Texas is now poised to lead the world in CCS, which means more investment and more jobs for Texans.”

The approval follows a comprehensive and multi-year review by the EPA, and provides for a clear, predictable, and efficient state-led regulatory framework. This regulatory certainty is expected to unlock significant private investment, accelerate planned projects, and create a new wave of skilled jobs and innovation across the Texas economy.

TXOGA and its members look forward to working with the RRC to ensure the safe and effective implementation of CCS projects across the state.