EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has announced a proposal to approve Arizona ’s request for regulatory control over all underground injection wells, including Class VI wells.
The announcement was made alongside US Representatives Andy Biggs, Juan Ciscomani, and Paul Gosar during a formal signing event.
If finalized, Arizona would gain primary enforcement authority — also known as “primacy” — under the Safe Drinking Water Act’s Underground Injection Control (UIC) program.
This shift recognizes the state’s capability to manage its subsurface water protections while supporting economic development and domestic energy production.
“Advancing economic growth and energy production in the United States, while safeguarding water resources, are common sense priorities to Power the Great American Comeback,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “With this proposal, we are advancing cooperative federalism and supporting energy dominance as Arizona becomes the primary regulator of underground injection wells within their state.”
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum called the decision a major win for the state’s energy independence,” aligning with broader goals to boost domestic energy production and infrastructure.
The proposal is part of the EPA’s “Powering the Great American Comeback” initiative, which emphasizes safe water access, stronger state-federal collaboration, and energy sector advancement.
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Arizona’s approval would make it the fifth state to gain primacy for Class VI wells — those used to store CO2 underground — since 2018, and the fourth under President Trump’s current term.
“Giving the state direct oversight is critical to protecting the integrity of our groundwater resources while supporting responsible economic growth and clean energy development. This decision strengthens Arizona’s ability to manage our future and gives us the tools to lead on sustainable resource management and innovation,” said Governor Katie Hobbs (D-AZ).
The EPA conducted a full technical and legal review and found that Arizona’s program meets federal requirements for oversight and enforcement. A 45-day public comment period will follow publication in the Federal Register.
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