Bill > S2505

This bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to streamline and expedite the process for states seeking primary enforcement responsibility for Class VI wells, which are deep injection wells typically used for carbon capture and storage. The bill establishes specific timelines and requirements for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review and respond to state applications. If the EPA does not approve, disapprove, or partially approve a state's underground injection control program within 180 days, the agency must provide a detailed written explanation describing the review status, reasons for delay, and specific deficiencies. Furthermore, if the EPA fails to make a decision within 30 days after the 180-day period, the application is automatically considered approved, provided the state has an established enforcement program for other underground injection well classes. The bill also requires the EPA to designate a coordinating individual for each state's application process, work expeditiously with states to complete pre-application activities, and submit a report evaluating the agency's staff and resource availability to implement these requirements. Additionally, the legislation ensures that the EPA retains the ability to deny or revoke a state's primary enforcement responsibility if necessary, while aiming to create more certainty and efficiency in the regulatory process for Class VI wells.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2505/all-info