Louisiana Carbon Sequestration Permitting Authority Draws Suit

Environmental groups on Tuesday challenged an EPA decision to give Louisiana primary permitting authority over certain carbon injection wells in the state.

The Environmental Protection Agency approved Louisiana’s application to revise the state’s underground injection control program under the Safe Drinking Water Act to give the state primary enforcement responsibility over Class VI injection wells. Class VI wells are used to inject carbon dioxide into deep rock formations as long-term underground storage, which can be used to reduce CO2 emissions.

The SDWA requires the EPA to develop minimum federal requirements to protect public health by preventing injection wells from contaminating ...