WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Jim Justice released a statement of support for EPA Administrator Zeldin’s final rule to approve West Virginia’s request to self-regulate with regard to Class VI wells in the state:
“I applaud this common-sense final rule by Administrator Zeldin, and also extend my thanks to Secretary Burgum for his support. While Governor, my team and I worked tirelessly with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection to prime the pump for this rule to be approved shortly after I left office. I’m proud of that work and I’m equally as proud to now be working alongside Senator Capito, Congressman Moore, and Congresswoman Miller who cared deeply about pushing this across the finish line. This rule is an absolute win for the state of West Virginia, because we know best how to manage our state’s resources – unlike bureaucrats in Washington,” said Senator Jim Justice.
BACKGROUND:
- EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin signed a final rule approving the State of West Virginia’s request to regulate the injection of carbon dioxide (CO2) into deep rock formations.
- By granting the State primacy for Class VI Wells under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA recognizes that West Virginia is best positioned to protect underground sources of drinking water while bolstering energy independence and dominance.
- On February 4, 2025, Administrator Zeldin announced the agency’s Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative, which prioritizes protecting clean and safe air, land and water for every American, restoring American Energy Dominance, and advancing cooperative federalism.
- EPA’s Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI program plays a key role in our nation’s energy future by protecting underground water supplies and ensuring that underground carbon storage captured from industrial, and energy related sources is safe.