For years, the EPA has enforced federal standards and overseen a type of well used across Arizona to inject certain materials deep underground. But now, the federal government has announced that it intends to approve the yearslong application effort from the state to hand over those powers.
State regulators are asking for authority over all of Arizona’s injection wells not on tribal land.
They’re used in part to support oil and gas production. And one major regulation goal is protecting underground drinking water from the kinds of materials they store, like industrial waste and carbon dioxide.
While supporters say the move would bring in more locally informed decisions and cut red tape, critics worry it could greenlight the state to loosen enforcement.
The EPA is proposing to approve the handoff. After a virtual hearing next month and public comment closes in July, the agency will decide whether to make it official.
