EPA Issues New Regulatory Proposal Seeking to Regulate Methane from both New and Existing Sources
Proposal is based on concepts for potential regulation
Regulatory text to follow in 2022
EPA issued proposal with 60-day comment period
Comments requested for additional emission sources - associated gas flaring, abandoned wells, pigging, malfunctioning flares, and truck loading.
Yesterday, the EPA Administrator signed a new regulatory actions that seeks to regulate methane from the #oilandgas sector for new and existing sources. This proposal is informative in nature where EPA is seeking information on numerous aspects of control options and technologies. According to EPA’s press release key features of the proposed rule include:
a comprehensive monitoring program for new and existing well sites and compressor stations;
a compliance option that allows owners and operators the flexibility to use advanced technology that can find major leaks more rapidly and at lower cost than ever before;
a zero-emissions standard for new and existing pneumatic controllers (with a limited alternative standard for sites in Alaska), certain types of which account for approximately 30 percent of current methane emissions from the oil and natural gas sector;
standards to eliminate venting of associated gas, and require capture and sale of gas where a sales line is available, at new and existing oil wells;
proposed performance standards and presumptive standards for other new and existing sources, including storage tanks, pneumatic pumps, and compressors; and
a requirement that states meaningfully engage with overburdened and underserved communities, among other stakeholders, in developing state plans.
For more information: https://www.epa.gov/controlling-air-pollution-oil-and-natural-gas-industry/epa-proposes-new-source-performance
