2026-22085·ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Alaska Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program; Class VI Primacy

Proposed RuleComment Period OpenComments open

Published: Oct 29, 2026
Comments close: Dec 14, 2026
Citation: 91 FR 68091
Docket: EPA-HQ-OW-2026-4588, FRL 13424-01-OW

Proposed rule; notice of public hearing.

Summary

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to let Alaska take primary responsibility for overseeing a specific type of underground well—Class VI wells—that are used to store carbon dioxide underground as part of carbon‑capture projects. By granting this authority, the state’s Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission would be able to issue permits, conduct inspections, and enforce safety rules for these wells, rather than the EPA handling those duties directly. The move is intended to streamline regulation, give Alaska more control over its own carbon‑storage activities, and ensure that the wells meet federal standards for protecting drinking water. The proposal applies to all Class VI injection wells located in Alaska, except those on tribal lands (Indian country) or in areas that remain under exclusive federal jurisdiction. If approved, the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission would become the primary regulator for these wells, while the EPA would retain oversight to ensure compliance with national drinking‑water protections. The EPA published the proposal on October 29, 2026, and is accepting public comments until December 14, 2026. After the comment period, the agency will review the feedback, make any necessary adjustments, and issue a final rule that either confirms or modifies the transfer of primacy to Alaska. Stakeholders—including industry groups, environmental organizations, tribal governments, and the public—are encouraged to submit their views before the deadline.

AI-generated summary — verify against the Federal Register text.

Official abstract

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) has received a complete Underground Injection Control (UIC) application from the State of Alaska, requesting primary enforcement responsibility (primacy) for Class VI injection wells under Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) section 1422. The EPA's approval of the State's UIC program primacy application would allow the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (AOGCC) to issue and enforce compliance with UIC Class VI permits for injection wells used for geologic carbon sequestration. In this action, the EPA proposes to approve Alaska's application to implement the UIC program for Class VI injection wells located within the State, except those located within Indian country and those located within areas of exclusive Federal jurisdiction.