Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia (GO-WV) President Charlie Burd issued the following statement after U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito announced West Virginia secured authority from the U.S. EPA to oversee and administer Class VI well programs in the state, which are critical to advancing carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects:

“Gaining primacy status is a game-changer for West Virginia, positioning us to lead the next generation energy opportunity of CCS. Transferring permitting authority to the WV DEP cuts federal red tape, empowering local experts to drive growth.

“Thanks to advocates like Chair Shelley Moore Capito, West Virginia is better equipped to deliver reliable and affordable energy while decarbonizing vital industries that fuel our state and nation.”