On November 2, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced grant allocations for states and Tribes to tap into over $48 million in funding to develop and implement Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI programs. The geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide in Class VI wells is used in carbon capture, utilization, and storage to prevent emissions from reaching the atmosphere. The funding, through the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act (IIJA), will be allocated evenly among 25 interested states and Tribes - each receiving an allotment of $1,930,000. On January 19, 2023, EPA Administrator Michael Regan sent letters inviting states, Tribes, and territories to submit letters of intent (LOI) to indicate their interest in the new grant program. 25 states and Tribes submitted LOIs in response and are now eligible for the grant funding: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, MHA Nation, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Navajo Nation, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming. EPA is supporting state, Tribal and territory efforts to obtain primacy - primary responsibility for implementing and enforcing their UIC Class VI program - under the Safe Drinking Water Act and to develop UIC Class VI programs that incorporate environmental justice and equity as core principles. Participating states and Tribes can use this one-time funding opportunity to establish and implement UIC Class VI programs. Each state or Tribe may apply for funding, with 100% of federal funding provided as grants with no state match requirements.
EPA also released a guidance document to provide states and Tribes with information on how to apply for and use the funding. For more information on the program, visit the EPA program website here.