RRC Adopts Amendments to Chapter 5 Rules Relating to Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) has adopted amendments to 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 5, relating to Carbon Dioxide (CO2), effective September 19, 2022.

Amendments to 16 TAC §5.101, §5.102 and §§5.201 – 5.207 implement changes made by House Bill 1284 (87^th Legislative Session, Regular Session) giving RRC sole jurisdiction over carbon sequestration wells (jurisdiction previously shared with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) and reflect additional federal requirements to allow the RRC to apply for enforcement primacy for the federal Class VI Underground Injection Control (UIC) program. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency protects underground sources of drinking water by regulating the injection of fluids underground for storage or disposal. The Safe Drinking Water Act and UIC program provide the primary regulatory framework.

To view the adopted rules, visit the RRC website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/general-counsel/rules/proposed-rules/ under “Carbon Dioxide – Various Rules”.