EPA Public Hearing on Alaska UIC Class VI Program

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a proposed rule to grant the State of Alaska primary enforcement responsibility (primacy) for the Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI program. This program regulates injection wells used for the long-term geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide. If finalized, the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (AOGCC) will assume authority to issue and enforce Class VI permits, excluding areas within Indian country and federal jurisdiction. The proposal follows a comprehensive review of Alaska's application, which was submitted on May 22, 2026. The state's regulatory framework was updated following the passage of House Bill 50, which directed the AOGCC to regulate carbon storage facilities. The state's new regulations became effective on April 18, 2026, after a series of public hearings and town halls held between 2024 and 2026. The EPA will maintain oversight of the program through quarterly non-compliance reports and annual performance reviews. The public is invited to submit comments on the proposed rule until December 14, 2026. A virtual public hearing will also be held to gather testimony, with specific logistics to be posted on the EPA's website.