Bills · HR 4880
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 4880Environmental Protection
Primacy Certainty Act of 2025
INTRO AUG 5· LAST ACTION AUG 5
READING
8MIN
COSPONSORS
2
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it could significantly change how projects designed to store carbon dioxide underground are regulated in the United States. Currently, the process for states to take over federal oversight of these "Class VI" wells from the EPA can be lengthy and unpredictable, leading to delays for carbon capture and storage projects.
If this bill becomes law, it would create clearer, faster pathways for states to manage these programs themselves. This could accelerate the development of carbon capture technologies, which are seen by some as critical for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. However, it also shifts more regulatory responsibility to the states, and the automatic approval mechanism could lead to concerns about whether these state programs are being thoroughly vetted by federal experts before they are put in place, potentially impacting environmental protection and public safety related to drinking water. If it doesn't pass, the current, often slower, process for state primacy applications would continue, which could mean longer waits for carbon capture projects but also more extensive federal review.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Sets a 180-day deadline for the EPA to approve, disapprove, or partially approve a state's application for managing Class VI wells.
This creates a firm timeline, aiming to prevent indefinite delays in federal decision-making for state primacy applications.
PROVISION 02
Introduces an automatic approval mechanism for a state's Class VI program if the EPA fails to act within 210 days (180 + 30 days) and the state already manages other types of underground injection wells.
This provision significantly shifts power to states and provides a strong incentive for timely EPA review.
PROVISION 03
Requires the EPA to provide detailed written explanations to states for any delays or identified deficiencies in their applications if the 180-day deadline is missed.
This increases transparency and helps states understand what is needed to get their applications approved.
PROVISION 04
Mandates that the EPA process existing Class VI well permits or applications within a state as quickly as possible before transferring authority to the state.
This ensures continuity and avoids a backlog of permits when a state takes over the program.
PROVISION 05
Restricts the EPA from conditioning approval on requirements not explicitly in the state's application or federal law, and designates one individual for each state to coordinate the application process.
This aims to streamline the process by preventing extraneous demands and providing a clear point of contact for states.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
R· Texas
YRS IN OFFICE
7
BILLS LED
24
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 2 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSAUG 5
Introduced in House
AUG 5
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 4880
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedAug 5, 2025
Last actionAug 5, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED AUG 5, 2025
House BillHR 4880Environmental Protection
Primacy Certainty Act of 2025
INTRODUCED AUG 5, 2025· LAST ACTION AUG 5, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
8 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
