Oil and Natural Gas Air Pollution Standards
Announcements
October 24, 2011- EPA extends public comment period on proposed rules to reduce air pollution from the oil and natural gas industry.
Aug 25, 2011 - EPA announces public hearings on proposed rules to reduce air pollution from the oil and natural gas industry.
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July 28, 2011 - EPA proposes a suite of highly cost-effective standards to reduce air pollution from the oil and natural gas industry.
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EPA has proposed a suite of highly cost effective regulations that would reduce harmful air pollution from the oil and natural gas industry, while allowing continued, responsible growth in U.S. oil and natural gas production. The proposed updated rules would rely on proven technologies and best practices that are in use today to reduce emissions of smog-forming volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The proposed rules include a requirement that would capture 95 percent VOC emissions from wells that are hydraulically fractured. This dramatic reduction would largely be accomplished through capturing natural gas that currently escapes into the air, and making that gas available for sale. The rules also would reduce emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and air toxics, which are known or suspected of causing cancer and other serious health effects.
The proposal includes the review of four rules for the oil and natural gas industry: a new source performance standard for VOCs; a new source performance standard for sulfur dioxide; an air toxics standard for oil and natural gas production; and an air toxics standard for natural gas transmission and storage.
Basic Information - Information about the air toxics standards under review
Regulatory Actions - Links to proposed and final rules, fact sheets, and other rulemaking documents
Technical Information - Technical information about about the air toxics standards under review
Public Meetings - To receive input on review of rules
EPA's Natural Gas Star Program - A flexible, voluntary partnership that encourages oil and natural gas companies, both domestically and abroad, to adopt cost-effective technologies and practices that improve operational efficiency and reduce emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas and clean energy source