WASHINGTON – Today, May 6, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule to strengthen, expand, and update methane emissions reporting requirements for petroleum and natural gas systems under EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, as required by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a finalized rule aimed at enhancing methane emissions reporting requirements for oil and natural gas facilities. This rule aims to utilize advanced technologies to strengthen emissions data quality.
Methane emissions reduction is considered a crucial near-term action to limit global warming to 1.5°C, as methane is an extremely potent greenhouse gas. Oil and gas facilities are major sources of methane emissions in the U.S.
The Biden administration has prioritized addressing methane emissions, with initiatives like the Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan and significant investments from legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
As we implement the historic climate programs under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA is applying the latest tools, cutting edge technology, and expertise to track and measure methane emissions from the oil and gas industry. Together, a combination of strong standards, good monitoring and reporting, and historic investments to cut methane pollution will ensure the U.S. leads in the global transition to a clean energy economy.
EPA Administrator, Michael S. Regan
The finalized rule updates the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) requirements for the petroleum and natural gas sector, aiming to address reporting gaps. Changes include the use of satellite data to identify large emissions and requirements for direct monitoring of key sources.
The EPA plans to seek input on utilizing advanced measurement data and methods beyond those included in the rule for future regulatory efforts. Additionally, the agency will engage in discussions to explore technological advancements in measurement and detection technologies for regulatory reporting programs.
