Houston Chronicle reported this week that Railroad Commission of Texas is preparing an application to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to assume responsibility for permitting of carbon storage wells. Chronicle said Texas Attorney General’s office is reviewing state environmental laws to verify that they meet federal requirements. When that is complete, commission officials said, Governor Greg Abbott will submit an application to EPA.
“Currently the EPA oversees the development of carbon storage sites, a process that can take years,” Chronicle said. “Texas officials are looking to speed up permitting.” Texas would become the third state to be granted authority following North Dakota and Wyoming.