EPA Announces $12M To Protect Underground Sources Of Drinking Water Through State And Tribal Programs

Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $12M in grant funding for states and Tribes to develop underground injection control (UIC) programs that protect sources of drinking water while supporting industry and energy projects. This funding advances the agency’s “Powering the Great American Comeback” initiative, which strengthens cooperative federalism and protects our nation’s water resources while accelerating economic growth and unleashing American energy dominance.

“States and tribes understand their water resources and underground geology best. With $12M in EPA grant funding, they will be able to solidify and expand permitting and oversight of underground injection to protect sources of drinking water while bolstering projects that support economic growth and job creation,” said EPA Senior Advisor Jessica Kramer. “Coordinating with state and tribal partners to protect the environment through cooperative federalism is a pillar of our Great American Comeback initiative, and a foundational approach to ensuring that all Americans can rely on clean and safe water.”

Since January 2025, EPA has taken several actions to support state primacy of underground injection control programs under the Safe Drinking Water Act. In February, EPA finalized approval of West Virginia’s primacy application to oversee Class VI wells. In May, EPA proposed to approve Arizona’s primacy application for all underground injection wells. In June, EPA proposed to approve Texas’ application to administer a Class VI well program. To date, three states have received primacy for Class VI wells under President Trump’s leadership with more coming.

These funds are authorized by Congress under Section 1443 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Under this grant program, state and Tribal grant recipients are allotted funding based on population, geographic area, extent of underground injection practices, and other relevant factors. State and Tribal recipients will use the funds for priority underground injection control activities, including program capacity, compliance, addressing high-priority Class VI wells and data submissions. For more information on this grant announcement, visit EPA's Underground Injection Control Grants webpage.

Background
EPA regulates the construction, operation, permitting, and closure of injection wells used to place fluids underground for storage or disposal. An injection well is used to place fluid underground into porous geologic formations. Injected fluids may include water, wastewater, brine (salt water), or water mixed with chemicals.