The National Stripper Well Association came out this week with a statement saying it strongly supports the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) historic decision to rescind the Endangerment Finding, a long-standing regulatory trigger for carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas restrictions that the organization claims has disproportionately harmed small, independent energy producers for over a decade.
In a release, the Oklahoma City-based organization said it commends the administration’s commitment to grounding policy in sound science, economic reality, and energy pragmatism.
“Lee Zeldin, Chris Wright, and Doug Burgum have been blitzkrieging their agencies with common sense, real science, and economic reality for the benefit of oil and gas and the American public,” said Terrance Tschatschula, NSWA Board Member.
“We want to let our U.S. Representatives and Senators know that we like what Trump’s administration is doing.”
First issued in 2009, the Endangerment Finding claimed that greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health and welfare, enabling the EPA to impose costly emissions regulations that burdened producers of all sizes—particularly small, stripper well operators who produce less than an annual average of 15 barrels of oil per day per well (BOPD) or 90,000 cubic feet of gas per day per well (90 mcfd). The rescission recognizes that the original finding was rooted in flawed models and politicized science rather than current data or economic reality.
Patrick Montalban, Chairman of NSWA, praised the move: “This is a long-overdue course correction. The Endangerment Finding has been used as a blunt instrument to punish the oil and gas industry, despite our critical role in the American economy and national security.”
“We commend the EPA and the Trump administration for restoring rational policy grounded in fact and fairness.”
NSWA encourages all members and energy advocates to reach out to their federal representatives to express support for this bold and necessary policy shift. “This moment represents a realignment of environmental policy with economic reality—and a clear victory for American energy independence. This sends a clear message: America’s energy future is best built by empowering domestic production—not restricting it,” Montalban added.
About NSWA:
The National Stripper Well Association (NSWA) represents the interests of the smallest and most economically vulnerable oil and gas operators in the United States. NSWA advocates for smart regulation, fair taxation, and policies that ensure the survival of America’s independent producers—those who fuel local economies and national energy security. For more information, visit www.nswa.us.