LPDD

Pathway 8.

Non-Carbon Dioxide Climate Pollutants → Methane

8.2.2 Regulation of Oil and Gas Sector Methane Emissions

LPDD Recommendation: “EPA could consider adoption of new methane regulations for existing oil and gas facilities.”

LPDD Recommendation: “State legislatures or environmental agencies can consider adopting regulations to cost effectively control venting, flaring, and leaks from well sites.”

Proposed Super Pollutants Act (2019)

Congress
Would reduce short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) in the atmosphere by enabling federal agencies to set up a taskforce with businesses and non-profits to speed the adoption of SLCP-reducing technologies and policies.

Proposed CLEAN Future Act (2020)

Congress
A 622-page economy-wide climate bill with provisions on power, transport, buildings, financing, and more released by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Ohio’s Fugitive Emissions Regulations

State Agencies
Require operators to test and monitor for any fugitive emissions taking place at a well site on a quarterly basis, develop a leak detection and repair program, and make first attempt at repair within 5 days of detecting it.

North Dakota Regulation of Oil and Gas Sector Methane Emissions

State Legislatures, State Public Utility Commissions
Bans the venting of natural gas and requires that vented gas be burned through a flare with the estimated volume flared reported to the director of the oil and gas division at the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources.

Colorado SB 181

State Legislatures
Requires that the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission revisit its existing rules and consider stricter requirements with respect to leak detection and repair, pipeline inspection, emissions from “pneumatic tools” like gas-driven pumps, and more.