The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on November 2 grant allocations for states and tribes to provide $48 million in funding to develop and implement Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI programs.
This program is a key part of the Biden-Harris administration’s goal to reach a net zero emissions economy by 2050, particularly for the industrial sector. The $48,250,000, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will be allocated evenly among the 25 interested states and tribes, with an allotment of $1,930,000 for each program. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, Class VI programs ensure that groundwater resources are protected while supporting the permanent sequestration of carbon dioxide to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tackle the climate crisis.
The EPA sent letters on January 19 inviting states, tribes, and territories to submit a letter of intent (LOI) to indicate their interest in the new grant program. Twenty-five states and tribes submitted LOIs in response and are now eligible for the grant funding: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, MHA Nation, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Navajo Nation, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Each state or tribe may apply for funding, with 100 percent of federal funding provided as grants with no state match requirement. Recipients will use the funding to cover expenses related to the establishment and operation of a Class VI program.
The EPA is also releasing the Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI Wells Grant Program Implementation document to provide states and tribes with information on how to apply for and use this funding.
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