In a letter dated February 11, 2025, a group of leading Texas business associations urged new EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to expedite and approve Texas’ application for primacy authority to approve permits for carbon dioxide (CO2) storage wells, also known as Class VI wells.

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Supporters believe carbon capture and storage (CCS) deployment is the next logical step in reducing emissions released into the environment.

Under President Donald Trump’s first term in office, both Wyoming and North Dakota were granted permitting authority. During the Biden administration, Louisiana received full authority, and West Virginia was also approved in the final days of that administration, with the current Trump administration recently finalizing its permitting authority.

“Research has shown that the CCS opportunity in Texas is larger than anywhere else on earth,” the letter says. “We have the right geological formations for CO2 storage, a world-class, highly skilled workforce, and robust infrastructure primed for the deployment of CCS. However, federal permitting delays are stalling billions of dollars of private sector investment.

“The [EPA] plays a critical role with CCS through its permitting for CO2 storage wells. … Unfortunately, many projects are stalled because of inaction at EPA. There are currently 161 applications under review, one third of which are in Texas, with most applications surpassing the EPA’s target review period of 24 months. This creates uncertainty for developers, investors and keeps thousands of potential jobs out of reach.”

According to the letter, the lengthy delays are costly and other issues are at stake, including:

• American jobs: CCS projects in Texas would create approximately 7,500 full-time jobs across multiple disciplines, including engineering, construction, and manufacturing.
• American infrastructure: CCS projects could contribute up to $1.8 billion to the Texas economy, materialized in the construction of pipeline networks, storage facilities, and monitoring technologies—critical infrastructure that will support America’s industrial competitiveness.
• American energy security: The United States has the most robust carbon capture network on the planet. It’s a technology that has been successfully used in American oilfields for decades to enhance domestic energy production. Put simply, advancing CCS would strengthen American leadership in global energy markets.

Other states awaiting approval include:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Colorado
• Missouri
• Oklahoma
• Utah

It remains to be seen where the Trump administration stands on CCS technology. Some predict it won’t be a high priority for an administration that doesn’t appear supportive of cleaner technology.

However, this administration just finalized West Virginia’s permitting authority, which would seem to indicate it doesn’t plan to hamper progress.

“Carbon capture's doubters include both conservative policy organizations and environmental groups. Even so, its outlook in the U.S. isn't all bleak. Carbon capture got a $12 billion boost under Joe Biden through increased tax incentives and funding through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. With projects scattered nationwide, including dozens in Republican states, there may be less appetite to include them in budget cuts,” analyst Rohan Dighe with the energy and resources research firm Wood Mackenzie says.

“But a broader trend away from ‘environmental, social and governance’ (ESG) investing … could sap momentum for carbon capture,” Dighe says in an e-mail, according to ABC News.

Many companies across the nation have already invested heavily in CCS technology and are eager to begin construction on CCS wells. Industry analysts believe CCS technology has too much momentum to reverse course now.

“By clearing out the massive backlog of Class VI applications and accelerating primacy for the states, the EPA can give industry the clear and predictable framework to do what it does best: invest in America,” states the letter sent to the EPA.