May 15, 2025 (press release) –
Keeping promise to fast track, expand cooperative federalism and bolster energy dominance
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a proposal to approve the State of Arizona’s request to oversee Safe Drinking Water Act permitting for all underground injection wells in the state. Administrator Zeldin was joined by U.S. Congressmen Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06), and Paul Gosar (R-AZ-09) for a signing ceremony. This action recognizes that Arizona is best positioned to protect its underground sources of drinking water while bolstering economic growth and energy dominance.
“Advancing economic growth and energy production in the United States, while safeguarding water resources, are common sense priorities to Power the Great American Comeback,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “With this proposal, we are advancing cooperative federalism and supporting energy dominance as Arizona becomes the primary regulator of underground injection wells within their state.”
“Achieving true American Energy Dominance begins with producing more domestic energy right here in America,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “Today's announcement marks a major win for the state's energy independence and furthers President Trump's mission to unleash America's untapped energy potential!”
"Arizona has long prioritized securing authority over underground injection wells, and I’m encouraged to see the EPA take this important step forward. Giving the state direct oversight is critical to protecting the integrity of our groundwater resources while supporting responsible economic growth and clean energy development. This decision strengthens Arizona’s ability to manage our future and gives us the tools to lead on sustainable resource management and innovation,” said Governor Katie Hobbs (D-AZ).
“Under the Trump Administration, the EPA has moved quickly to review and approve projects long delayed by Joe Biden. The approval of this project in Arizona will provide much-needed certainty to the fast-growing carbon capture industry and will maintain America’s leadership in deploying these technologies. President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin are advancing conservation and environmental stewardship while promoting economic growth for families in Arizona and all across America. Today’s approval is yet another example of the Trump Administration’s promise of “Powering the Great American Comeback,” said Congressman Gosar.
This effort is part of EPA’s Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative, which prioritizes providing clean and safe water for every American, restoring American energy dominance, and advancing cooperative federalism. EPA’s Underground Injection Control (UIC) program plays a key role in our nation’s economic future by protecting underground water supplies and ensuring that materials from industrial and energy projects are safely stored underground. EPA’s proposed approval includes state permitting for Class VI wells for underground storage of carbon dioxide—a focus of American energy companies. Once final, this will mark the fifth time a state receives primacy for Class VI wells since 2018 and the fourth approval under President Trump’s leadership.
After conducting a comprehensive technical and legal review, EPA has preliminarily determined that Arizona’s UIC program meets all requirements for approval and the state will implement and enforce a UIC program consistent with the Safe Drinking Water Act. EPA is requesting public comments on the Agency’s proposed decision within 45 days after date of publication in the Federal Register.
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