Bill > HR4880

This bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to streamline the process for states seeking primary enforcement responsibility for Class VI wells, which are specialized wells typically used for carbon capture and storage. The bill establishes clearer timelines and procedures for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review and respond to state applications. Specifically, if the EPA does not approve, disapprove, or partially approve a state's underground injection control program for Class VI wells within 180 days, the agency must provide a detailed written explanation to the state describing the review status, reasons for delay, and specific deficiencies. Moreover, 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 already has a primary enforcement authority program for other types of underground injection wells. The bill also requires the EPA to designate a specific individual to coordinate the application process, work expeditiously with states during pre-application activities, and submit a report to Congress detailing available staff and resources needed to implement these requirements. Additionally, the bill preserves the EPA's ability to ultimately deny or withdraw a state's primary enforcement responsibility if necessary, while aiming to create more certainty and efficiency in the regulatory process for Class VI wells.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4880/all-info