West Virginia Achieves Class VI Primacy

January 28, 2025

In our ongoing effort to keep you updated about the Tri-State CCS Hub, our team wants to update you on the permitting process for the West Virginia portion of our carbon capture and storage (CCS) project.

Pending publication in the Federal Register, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted Class VI Underground Injection Control (UIC) primacy to West Virginia, making it one of only four states nationwide to earn this distinction.

This approval empowers the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) to oversee the permitting and regulation of Class VI wells – an essential component of a CCS project. This milestone reflects the state’s readiness to lead with efficient, effective permitting and oversight while upholding the highest environmental and safety standards.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey celebrated this achievement, emphasizing its potential to attract new investments, create jobs and reduce emissions across key industries like power generation, steel manufacturing and petrochemical production. WVDEP Secretary Harold Ward highlighted the agency’s ability to tailor regulations to West Virginia’s specific needs, ensuring smooth and effective operations.

You can read the Governor’s official statement to learn more about this milestone.

The Tri-State CCS team has been working closely with WVDEP and the West Virginia Geologic and Economic Survey office throughout this transition. We will continue to work with them as our Class VI application is processed.

We deeply value your continued support and engagement as we work together to advance CCS technology in West Virginia and beyond.

The Tri-State CCS Hub is participating in a CarbonSAFE Phase III project awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), allowing for funding of up to $69 million ($55.2 million in funding and $13.8 million in cost share) to support the characterization and permitting efforts.