The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted authority to West Virginia to manage carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects on February 18, 2025. This makes West Virginia the fourth state to gain primacy over Class VI wells, which are used for injecting and permanently storing CO₂ underground for long-term CO₂ storage.

The move aims to help West Virginia manage carbon capture to speed up approvals and boost carbon sequestration efforts in the state.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated that this move ensures West Virginia’s independence while maintaining environmental and drinking water protections. The decision is expected to speed up project approvals and strengthen West Virginia’s role in carbon sequestration efforts.

Impact on U.S. Carbon Capture Policy & Federal Incentives

West Virginia joins other states of North Dakota, Wyoming, and Louisiana in managing its own CO₂ injection projects instead of relying on slow federal approvals. Over a dozen states have CCS projects awaiting approval. Texas leads with 43 pending projects and is pushing for state-level control.

The 2022 (IRA) Inflation Reduction Act provides a $85 per metric ton tax credit for underground CO₂ storage, encouraging investment in CCS.

Also Read: UN Warns Of ‘Triple Planetary Crisis,’ Calls For Immediate Action

Political Uncertainty

Donald Trump has vowed to repeal the IRA, calling it excessive spending. However, experts believe key CCS incentives will remain due to strong Republican state support for the technology.

West Virginia’s new authority is expected to boost investment, create jobs, and position the state as a CCS leader. Streamlining Class VI well approvals will accelerate carbon sequestration projects and reduce federal regulatory delays. As Texas and other states push for similar approvals, the future of CCS regulation will depend on federal policy stability, industry demand, and political shifts.

Also Read: Trump’s Funding Freeze Stalls New Orleans Tree Restoration Efforts