Final regulations clamping down on methane emissions from new and modified oil and gas operations were finalized Thursday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It’s part of the Obama administration’s effort to slash emissions by 40 to 45 percent from 2012 levels by 2025.
The rule is aimed at preventing 11 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. While it won’t apply to existing rigs, well pads and auxiliary equipment, the agency indicated it plans to regulate them eventually, according to a report in the Washington Post.
“The new policies will help combat climate change and reduce air pollution that immediately harms public health,” said Gina McCarthy, Administrator of the EPA.
The release of the methane gas has drawn growing attention on the part of the Obama administration and it means a long list of new or planned regulations even as there is continued debate over just how much methane is actually being released by the U.S. and whether the rules will do any good.
Read full story in Washington Post.