On March 2, 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) withdrew its request for oil and gas operators to provide detailed information on methane emissions from their facilities and operations.
Industry had expressed concern with the Information Collection Request (ICR) which was finalized on November 10, 2016. The ICR would have required 15,000 owners and operators to submit information on their onshore equipment and details on methane emission sources. The ICR was viewed as an initial step of EPA’s effort to regulate methane emissions from existing oil and gas operations and facilities.
On March 1, Attorney Generals and Governors from 11 states asked EPA to suspend the ICR, saying that the rule was costly and unlawful.
In rescinding the ICR, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt stated that he wanted to assess the need for the information. “By taking this step, EPA is signaling that we take these concerns seriously and are committed to strengthening our partnership with the states,” said Administrator Pruitt.
PESA members have worked with operators to voluntarily reduce methane emissions from facilities and operations. EPA’s action is a positive step forward in reducing the burden of unnecessary regulations on the oil and gas industry.
If you have any questions, please contact PESA’s Sr. Director of Public Policy, Jean Gould.
