WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule approving the State of Arizona's request to administer all classes of underground injection wells under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This action recognizes that Arizona is best positioned to protect its underground sources of drinking water while bolstering economic growth and energy dominance. It supports EPA's Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative,which prioritizes clean and safe water for every American, restoring American energy dominance, and advancing cooperative federalism.

"Efficient and effective permitting is essential to bolstering American industry and unleashing energy dominance while protecting our nation's water resources. States know their water resources best and understand the needs of their business community, entrusting them to take on permitting makes common sense," said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. "I am excited to see the economic growth that will be spurred by granting Arizona primacy to regulate underground injection under the Safe Drinking Water Act."

"Today's decision is a major milestone for Arizona. By granting our state primacy over underground injection wells, the EPA is once again recognizing that Arizona is best positioned to protect its water and natural resources. This authority allows us to safeguard the integrity of our groundwater, while also supporting responsible economic growth and clean energy development. With this step, Arizona gains the tools to lead on sustainable environmental management and innovation for years to come," said Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs.

"Our Founding Fathers were clear in their commitment to states' rights and a small federal government. Individual states must have the power to govern in the best interests of their own people," said Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05). "This ruling affirms that Arizona-not Washington bureaucrats-is best equipped to protect our water, foster economic growth, and ensure the well-being of our citizens. It is a key step in ensuring access to safe drinking water for Arizona communities for years to come. No one understands Arizona's communities and resources better than Arizonans ourselves. I am grateful to President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for their commitment to slashing needless regulations and restoring authority to the states. This is a victory for federalism, for common sense, and for the people of Arizona."

"Arizona understands our land, our water, and our energy needs better than anyone in Washington ever could. Granting primacy to our state of the Underground Injection Control program is a recognition that local expertise and innovation should lead the way. It means that Arizona will now oversee the permitting for all underground injection wells, including Class VI wells essential for carbon capture and storage-a critical part of a secure and cleaner energy future and Class I wells which store hazardous waste far below drinking water resources - critical for the health of all Arizonans," said Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06). "This step is a win for clean water, a win for responsible energy development, and a win for our economy."

"I applaud the EPA's decision to grant Arizona authority over the regulation of underground injection wells. This endorsement of states' rights empowers us to implement oversight in a way that reflects our needs and priorities," said Congressman Eli Crane(R-AZ-02). "This ruling will streamline permitting, boost flexibility, and increase transparency. Given Arizona's strong industrial base, we are poised to benefit from having more say in the process."

"I applaud Administrator Zeldin's decision to approve Arizona's request for primary enforcement authority over all classes of underground injection wells under the Safe Drinking Water Act," said Congressman Paul Gosar (R-AZ-09). "This action recognizes Arizona's leadership in safeguarding our groundwater, strengthens local oversight, and ensures that the state's unique water resources are managed with the highest standards of protection for public health and future generations."

"I want to thank Administrator Zeldin and the Trump administration for recognizing that Arizona is best positioned to protect its underground sources of drinking water," said Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ-08). "This rule will allow us to provide clean and safe water for every Arizonan while bringing more and exciting economic opportunities to our great state. This rule will strengthen Arizona's ability to manage our future for our families."

"Granting Arizona regulatory primacy gives businesses and innovators the confidence to invest in carbon capture and energy development," said Congressman David Schweikert (R-AZ-01). "By streamlining permitting and advancing innovation in carbon management and industrial processes, we can attract new investment while protecting our underground water supplies."

"With primacy, we can make decisions faster and tailor oversight to Arizona's unique groundwater conditions to better protect our water resources," said Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Director Karen Peters.

After conducting a comprehensive technical and legal review, EPA determined that the State of Arizona's Underground Injection Control (UIC) program meets all requirements for approval, and the state will implement and enforce the program consistent with SDWA. EPA's approval of the State's UIC program primacy application will allow the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to authorize underground injection for all underground injection wells under SDWA and ensure compliance with UIC program requirements.

EPA's final approval includes state permitting for Class VI wells for underground storage of carbon dioxide-a focus of American energy companies. Today's approval marks the fifth time a state has received primacy for Class VI wells since 2018 and the fourth approval under President Trump's leadership.

EPA will oversee Arizona's administration of its UIC program and will remain the permitting authority for all well classes on Indian lands within the State, except for Class II wells on Navajo Indian lands for which EPA has granted the Navajo Nation primacy.

Visit EPA's Underground Injection Control (UIC)website for more information.

Background

The UIC program under SDWA 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 stored underground safely.