On December 6, 2022, EPA issued a supplemental proposal to update, strengthen, and expand the standards proposed on November 15, 2021 (November 2021 proposal), which are intended to significantly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and other harmful air pollutants from the Crude Oil and Natural Gas source category.
The supplemental proposal contains four major revisions to the November 2021 proposal. First, EPA proposes standards for certain sources that were not addressed in the November 2021 proposal. Second, EPA proposes revisions that strengthen standards for sources of leaks, provide greater flexibility to use innovative advanced detection methods, and establish a "super emitter response program." Third, EPA proposes to modify and refine certain elements of the proposed standards in response to information submitted in public comments on the November 2021 proposal. Fourth, EPA proposes details of the timelines and other implementation requirements that apply to states to limit methane pollution from existing designated facilities in the source category under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
EPA is accepting comments on this supplemental proposal until February 13, 2023.