API Comments on EPA Methane Regulations

From European Scientist

The EPA is working on proposed methane regulations to prioritize tracking and reducing methane emissions. The American Petroleum Institute (API) submitted comments on the preamble of the text, reiterating the industry’s commitment to methane emission reduction. 

API highlighted support for a number of EPA’s proposed provisions and recommended alternative approaches on several areas of emission reduction strategies, safety, feasibility, operability, and cost.

The API pointed out the strides made to date: “In recent years, energy producers have implemented leak detection and repair programs, phased out the use of high-bleed pneumatic controllers, and reduced emissions associated with flaring – voluntarily and under federal and state regulations,” said Frank Macchiarola, API SVP of Policy, Economics, and Regulatory Affairs.

The efforts seem to be working. average methane emissions intensity declined by nearly 60% across all seven major producing regions from 2011 to 2020, even as American production increased.

I guess there won’t be a big flare up over this regulation.