Texas Railroad Commission Granted Authority for Carbon Storage Permits Following EPA Approval

The Texas Railroad Commission has received authority to issue Class VI permits for carbon dioxide injection and storage underground, a role previously held by the EPA. This approval, granted in October 2023, is expected to streamline the application process for energy companies. Despite bipartisan support for carbon capture initiatives, experts indicate that the transfer of permitting authority may not lead to a surge in new projects due to a lack of substantial recent government incentives for direct air capture technology.

Published Mar 21, 2026

The Texas Railroad Commission has been authorized to issue Class VI permits for the underground injection and storage of carbon dioxide, a responsibility previously held by the EPA. This approval was granted in October 2023 following the Commission's application in December 2022.

AI-curated by Theia

The transition aims to simplify the permitting process for energy companies. The Commission has established a Class VI office staffed with technical reviewers and specialists, funded by a $1.9 million federal grant. The state charges a $50,000 application fee and has received 18 applications, including one from Oxy Low Carbon Ventures for a facility designed to store 8.5 million metric tons of carbon over 12 years.