EPA PROPOSES HUGE METHANE LIMITS
Agency affirms its commitment to cutting pollution that contributes to climate change by targeting oil, gas industry’s emissions
The Environmental Protection Agency released proposed standards Tuesday for reducing methane and other pollutants from oil and gas operations in the USA.
The rules require extensive cutting of methane emissions, finding and repairing leaks at oil and gas wells and capturing natural gas emitted from hydraulic fracturing.
Methane — 25 times more powerful than carbon dioxide at trapping atmospheric heat — is a contributor to global warming.
The proposal also aims to reduce volatile organic compound emissions, such as benzene and xylene, that can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular ailments.
“Through our cost-effective proposed standards, we are underscoring our commitment to reducing the pollution fueling climate change and protecting public health while supporting responsible energy development, transparency and accountability,” EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said in a statement.
The proposal is part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan to cut methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 40% to 45% from 2012 levels by 2025, the EPA said.
The oil and gas industry is the USA’s largest single source of methane in the atmosphere, followed by livestock emissions and landfills, according to the EPA. Overall, methane accounts for nearly 9% of greenhouse gas emitted as a result of human activity in the USA.
The EPA estimated the rule would cost the oil and gas indus- try $320 million to $420 million in 2025, and reduced health care costs and other benefits would total $460 million to $550 million, according to the Associated Press.
Environmental groups applauded the plan.
“Curbing the oil and gas industry’s rampant methane pollution problem is the next biggest thing the White House can do to fight climate change after addressing carbon pollution from power plants,” Meleah Geertsma, senior attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said in a statement.
The House Committee on Natural Resources was less complimentary.
“The EPA’s plan ... flies in the face of technological reality,” Chairman Rob Bishop, R-Utah, said in a statement.
The proposal is part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan to cut methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 40% to 45% from 2012 levels by 2025.