New rules on methane opposed

WASHINGTON — Small oil and gas operators in Texas will be hit hardest by new Environmental Protection Agency rules reining in methane emissions, Texas Railroad Commission Chairman David Porter recently testified to Congress.

During an hour-long hearing examining the agency’s efforts to address climate change, Porter said his commission had urged EPA to exclude lower producing oil and gas wells from the rules. Shutdowns predicted

The cost of infrared cameras and other equipment and services to meet the methane rules might force them to shut down.

Porter said their cost compliance will be the same as a large well with greater emissions.

“There will be significant economic impacts on energy production, on states like Texas and the small communities and small, independent oil men that form the backbone of rural Texas.”

Methane, which is the main component of natural gas, is among the most potent greenhouse gases, which are blamed for accelerating climate change. Methane escapes into the atmosphere during oil and gas production. The Energy Department last month reported that the number of so-called stripper wells — which produce less than 15 barrels of crude a day — is shrinking and now represents just 10 percent of U.S. oil production. GOP critics

Porter’s comments came during a charged hearing in the House Energy and Commerce Committee in which Republicans accused the EPA of threatening the nation’s economy and its energy supply with regulations they argued did little to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.

Asked during the hearing about the railroad commission’s dealings with the EPA, Porter said they had improved since he first took office in 2010.

“It has gotten more civil,” he said. “I’m not saying they listen to us, but the lines of communication have become more open.”