The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced its intention to give the Railroad Commission of Texas authority or “primacy” over Class VI carbon dioxide storage wells.
CO2 deep injection storage can permanently contaminate groundwater and cause man-made earthquakes, costly well blowouts, and dangerous sinkholes. The Railroad Commission (RRC), our state oil and gas agency, has an incredibly poor track record of safely regulating oil and gas wells, and we believe that the RRC should not be given oversight of these new, dangerous carbon sequestration projects.
Want to learn more about carbon capture and storage (CCS)?
We've put together a fact sheet about the track record of the RRC, potential impacts of poorly managed CO2 storage, and more. We also included a glossary of terms and acronyms that are commonly used in discussions about CCS regulations and primacy, to make sure that everybody can contribute to the conversation.
Download the Glossary and Fact Sheet Here
We need your help to tell EPA that our state agency should not be given control of CO2 infrastructure. There are many different ways you can take action:
1. Attend the EPA's virtual hearing on July 24.
EPA is holding a virtual hearing on July 24 from 5 to 8 pm CST as part of the public comment period. Register ahead of time, and you'll be able to give a short verbal statement during the hearing.
It's important to have a large showing at this hearing! We want to send a message to EPA that lots of Texans care about this issue.
2. Come to one of our in-person Town Hall meetings
Get help preparing your statement for the virtual hearing, enjoy refreshments and connect with other concerned neighbors, learn more about the issue, and maybe even go home with a door prize! RSVP here. More details can be found below.
3. Submit a written comment online
Can't attend the virtual hearing? Submit a written comment using our easy online form. Make sure to take action before the comment period closes on August 1!
4. Sign the online petition to oppose handing control of CO2 infrastructure to the RRC
If you haven't yet, sign this petition created by the Texas CCS Community Advocacy Coalition, of which Clean Water Action is a member.
5. Reach out to learn more about getting involved
Passionate about these issues and want to get more involved? Or need help submitting your comment to EPA? Let us know and we'll get in touch!
Town Hall Meetings
The Texas CCS Community Advocacy Coalition, of which Clean Water Action is a member, is hosting town halls across the state of Texas to help you prepare your comment to the EPA, urging them to deny the Railroad Commission’s bid for primacy. Light refreshments and door prizes available at the town halls! RSVP today to request live Spanish interpretation at any of the meetings.
RSVP to attend a Town Hall meeting
Brazoria County
Freeport Library
410 N Brazosport Blvd, Freeport, TX 77541
July 19, 2025
1:00 - 4:00 PM
Harris County
BakerRipley
720 Fairmont Parkway Pasadena, TX 77504
July 19, 2025
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Midland County
Second Story Coworking
223 W Wall St STE 200
Midland, TX 79701
July 19, 2025
2:00 - 4:00 PM
Nueces County
Owen Hopkins Library
3202 Mckinzie Rd.
Corpus Christi, TX 78410
July 19, 2025
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Fort Bend County
Houston Community College Southwest (Missouri City)
1600 Texas Pkwy
Missouri City, TX 77489
July 19, 2025
1:00 – 4:00 PM
In addition to primacy, the Fort Bend Town Hall will be addressing the carbon capture facility at W.A. Parish, also known as the Petra Nova Carbon Capture Project.