EPA Announces Public Listening Sessions, Trainings on Upcoming Oil and Natural Gas Methane Rule

On January 20, 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order 13990, ”Executive Order on Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis.” As part of this EO, EPA must consider issuing a proposed rule by September 2021 to change the Oil and Gas Sector emission standards issued by the previous Administration.[1] This is separate from efforts under the Congressional Review Act to rescind the policy changes that lifted methane control requirements for production and processing facilities,[2] but the two efforts could merge in an eventual proposed rule.

EPA has announced public listening sessions for stakeholders and the public and opened a public docket for written comments. EPA is also hosting training for small businesses to facilitate their participation in this process.

• Read EPA’s announcement.
• Register for small business training on May 26, 2-3:30 p.m. EDT
• Speak at a public listening session, June 15 – June 17, noon to 9 p.m. EDT
• Submit a public comment to the docket at regulations.gov, Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2021-0295
• For additional information, contact Assistant Chief Counsel Dave Rostker at david.rostker@sba.gov or 202-285-6860.

[1] “Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Reconsideration,” 85 Fed. Reg. 57398 (September 15, 2020)

[2] “Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Review,” 85 Fed. Reg. 57018 (September 14, 2020)