Alaska seeks federal approval to regulate carbon storage wells as oil industry eyes Cook Inlet, North Slope projects

The Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission is applying for federal authority to regulate wells used for underground carbon dioxide storage, joining a nationwide shift as more states take control of climate-related infrastructure from federal oversight.

The commission will hold a public hearing on its application May 14, 2026, at 10 a.m. If approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, Alaska would directly oversee Class VI wells, which inject carbon dioxide underground for long-term storage.

States seeking control of carbon storage oversight

At least nine states have gained EPA approval to regulate Class VI wells since the well category was created in 2010. North Dakota, Wyoming, and Louisiana were among the first to receive primacy, drawn by oil industry interest in carbon capture technology.

"States with existing oil and gas regulatory infrastructure are natural candidates for Class VI primacy. They have the technical expertise and the institutional knowledge to protect underground drinking water sources," former EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said in 2011 when approving North Dakota's application.

Alaska projects driving application

Alaska's application comes as oil companies explore carbon storage in Cook Inlet and the North Slope. The state's geology includes deep saline formations that industry groups say could store millions of tons of carbon dioxide captured from industrial sources.

"Alaska has decades of experience regulating oil and gas injection wells. Class VI wells use similar technology and require the same protection of groundwater that we have successfully overseen," Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Chair Dan Seamount said in 2025.

The commission must demonstrate its program meets federal standards for protecting underground drinking water sources. The EPA requires states to show legal authority, adequate funding, qualified staff, and enforcement capability before granting primacy. Environmental groups have raised concerns about transferring oversight to state agencies they say may prioritize industry development over environmental protection. The EPA retains authority to revoke state primacy if programs fail to meet federal standards.

Written comments on Alaska's application must be submitted by the end of the May 14 hearing. After the hearing, the commission will submit its application to the EPA for review. The federal approval process typically takes 12 to 18 months.

For more information, visit commerce.alaska.gov/web/aogcc/ccus.aspx or contact the commission at [email protected]. The hearing will be at 333 West 7th Avenue in Anchorage, with remote access available by calling (907) 202-7104, conference ID 276 820 313.