"The Biden administration’s plan to reduce methane emissions announced yesterday may spark state clashes even as it was called "extremely costly" and drew criticism for allegedly not doing enough to cut oil and gas pollution.
The heart of the proposal is an updated EPA regulation on methane from the oil industry (Greenwire, Nov. 2). While it would cover a broader range of sources than current rules — including an expansion to include existing wells along with new ones — the proposal wouldn’t crack down on most flaring, the process of burning natural gas rather than piping it to market. It also won’t apply to many low-producing wells.
A separate plan teased yesterday by the Interior Department, to be introduced later, would crack down on flaring and venting — the release of gas directly to the atmosphere — from operations on federal land. A Transportation Department proposal also would address emissions from certain pipelines that have been linked to deadly explosions.
The EPA plan would allow new types of technology for detecting methane leaks, potentially boosting a budding new industry but also raising questions about the effectiveness of the rules, according to analysts (Energywire, Oct. 25)."
Mike Lee, Mike Soraghan, and Heather Richards report for E&E News November 3, 2021.
SEE ALSO:
"U.S. to Sharply Cut Methane Pollution that Threatens the Climate and Public Health" (EPA release)
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