The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) put in place new safeguards on Saturday aimed at significantly reducing dangerous methane emissions from fracking as well as oil and gas operations across the United States, including Pennsylvania.
The finalized standards, which have received wide support from thousands of Pennsylvanians during the public comment phase, require fossil fuel companies to drastically reduce their methane emissions. According to EPA estimates, these standards will cut methane emissions from covered sources by 80% from 2024 to 2038, contributing significantly to the fight against climate change while also protecting public health.
The new rule includes a comprehensive set of pollution reduction standards targeting the most significant sources of methane and other harmful pollutants at oil and gas facilities. These include methane leaks or vented emissions from equipment and processes. Key elements of the final rule include:
- Phasing in a requirement to eliminate routine flaring of natural gas produced by new oil wells.
- Mandating comprehensive monitoring for methane leaks at well sites and compressor stations, while allowing oil and gas companies the flexibility to use low-cost and innovative methane monitoring technologies.
- Setting standards requiring emission reductions from high-emitting equipment such as controllers, pumps, and storage tanks.
In addition, the rule introduces a Super Emitter Program, leveraging third-party expertise in remote sensing to detect large methane releases or leaks, known as “super emitters.” Recent studies suggest that these super emitters account for nearly half of all methane emissions from the oil and gas sector.
Furthermore, the rule provides clarity on how states can incorporate their existing programs into plans for limiting methane emissions from existing sources, giving states two years to submit their plans for EPA approval.
The new rule complements the Methane Emissions and Waste Reduction Incentive Program, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, that aims to reduce methane emissions from the oil and natural gas industry.
Flora Cardoni, field director with PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center, praised the new EPA protections, stating, “These standards will lower the emissions of harmful methane pollution from frackers and the oil and gas industry that have been putting our health and climate at risk.”
Cardoni also credited the Biden administration for its commitment to reducing fossil fuel emissions and addressing climate change. She expressed eagerness to work with the administration on further protections to clean up air, protect health, and combat climate change. Cardoni also looks forward to ensuring the full implementation of these policies across Pennsylvania in collaboration with the Shapiro administration, to maximize their health, climate, and environmental benefits.
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