Indiana moves to take over carbon storage well permitting from EPA, drafts new rules

Indiana is drafting its own regulations for Class VI carbon storage wells as part of a bid to take over permitting authority from the U.S. EPA. The state's Department of Natural Resources confirmed it has begun pre-application activities under a 2026 state law that requires seeking primacy over carbon dioxide injection wells. Supporters argue state control will provide more stable permitting timelines and better local oversight, while critics worry about weaker enforcement and risks to nearby communities. The timeline remains uncertain. Indiana expects to submit its regulatory package for public comment by late 2026 or early 2027, but must still pass EPA review before taking over permitting. The only Indiana project with a federal Class VI permit so far is Wabash Valley Resources, a carbon capture and fertilizer pilot. The outcome could set a precedent for how other states approach carbon storage regulation.