EPA Final Rule Targeting Methane Emissions: Covered Entities, Advanced Technology, Third-Party Super Emitter Monitoring

This CLE webinar will guide counsel through the EPA's recently released final rule to drastically reduce methane and other harmful pollutants from the oil and natural gas industry. The panel will discuss covered entities, the use of new and advanced technology for compliance, and the super emitter program which will allow for third-party monitoring of emissions. The panel will address interplay with state plans and other federal laws and provide best practices for compliance.

As part of the current administration's whole-of-government approach to tackling climate change, the EPA recently issued the final rule to drastically reduce methane and other harmful pollutants from the oil and natural gas industry. The final rule includes updated and more stringent standards for methane and other air pollutants from new, modified, and reconstructed sources, as well as emissions guidelines to assist states in developing plans to limit methane emissions from existing sources.

Among other things, the rule will allow owners and operators to use multiple advanced technologies to detect so-called fugitive emissions, where valves or seals may allow methane to escape into the atmosphere during the production of natural gas, as alternatives to periodic optical gas imaging surveys. The rule will also phase out routine flaring of natural gas from new oil wells.

Furthermore, and most notably, the rule establishes a process for targeting super emitters by allowing third-party monitoring using technology such as remote-sensing aircraft or high-resolution satellites to find leaks and requires prompt response and resolution by the responsible party.

Listen as our expert panel guides practitioners through the new rule to mitigate methane emissions and other harmful pollutants and provides best practices for compliance.