EPA issued final rule to sharply reduce methane pollution in oil, natural gas operations.
Rule includes New source performance standards (NSPS) to reduce methane, Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions from new, modified, and reconstructed sources.
Also includes guidelines for State plans to limit methane from existing sources.
Final rule announced at COP28, advances President Biden's climate agenda, #193523.
Builds on EPA initial proposal from Nov. 2021, supplemental proposal from Dec. 2022.
In addition to final rule and fact sheets, EPA issued regulatory impact analysis, report on social costs, tables re covered sources and summary of requirements, presentation.
Background
Methane is a climate super pollutant that is more potent than carbon dioxide and is responsible for about one third of current warming resulting from human activities.
Rapid, sharp cuts in methane can generate near-immediate climate benefits.
Final rule would prevent estimated 58mn tons of methane emissions from 2024-2038.
Achieve 80% reduction below future methane emissions expected without the rule.
Highlights of Final Rule
Finalizes revisions to NSPS regulating Greenhouse gasses (GHGs), VOCs emissions.
Two-year phase-in period to eliminate routine flaring of natural gas from new oil wells.
One-year phase-in of standards for new process controllers and pumps outside Alaska.
Requires extensive monitoring for methane leaks from well sites, compressor stations.
Gives oil and gas firms flexibility to use low-cost, innovative methane monitoring tech.
Creates standards that require reductions in emissions from high-emitting equipment.
Leverages data from third-party expertise to find large emissions (super emitters).
Finalizes guidelines under Clean air act (CAA) for State plans to establish performance standards to limit GHG emissions from existing sources (designated facilities).
Clarifies how States can use their existing programs in plans for limiting methane emissions from existing sources; gives States two years to submit plans for approval.
Effectiveness
Final rule effective 60 days after the date of publication in the federal register.
Mar. 2024 EPA Final Rule
On Mar. 8, 2024, EPA published final rule in federal register, effective on May 7, 2024.
Final rule amended 40 CFR 60, Standards of performance for new stationary sources.
In Mar. 2024, CAL AG coalition supported rule, OKL LEG coalition opposed, #204945.
