EPA proposes Alaska control of Class VI carbon-storage well permitting

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed granting Alaska primary enforcement authority for Class VI underground injection wells used for geologic carbon storage. EPA announced the proposal on November 2 after determining preliminarily that Alaska’s program meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

If finalized, the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission would issue and enforce Class VI permits within the state, except in Indian country and areas of exclusive federal jurisdiction. This is a regulatory handoff, not approval of any individual carbon-storage project or an open procurement.

EPA Region 10 Administrator Emma Pokon said the proposal would give Alaska greater control over energy development while protecting underground drinking-water sources. AOGCC Commissioner Jessie Chmielowski said the commission expects the authority to build on its existing Class II injection-well oversight.

The next milestone is the federal public-comment process. Comments are due December 14, 2026 under docket EPA-HQ-OW-2026-4588. EPA plans a virtual hearing on December 10 from 3 to 6 p.m. Alaska Standard Time, with speaker registration due December 9.

The business implication is a potential change in permitting administration for future geologic carbon-sequestration projects in Alaska; timing and requirements for specific projects would still depend on the final rule and later permit reviews. Official EPA public notice.