The action analyzed in this regulatory impact analysis (RIA) amends the new source performance standards (NSPS) for the oil and natural gas source category by setting standards for both methane and volatile organic compounds (VOC) for certain equipment, processes and activities across this source category. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is including requirements for methane emissions in this rule because methane is a greenhouse gas (GHG), and the oil and natural gas category is the country's largest emitter of methane. In 2009, the EPA found that by causing or contributing to climate change, GHGs endanger both the public health and the public welfare of current and future generations. The EPA is amending the NSPS to include standards for reducing methane as well as VOC emissions across the oil and natural gas source category. Specifically, we are establishing both methane and VOC standards for several emission sources not covered by the 2012 NSPS (i.e., hydraulically fractured oil well completions, fugitive emissions from well sites, compressor stations, pneumatic pumps). In addition, we are establishing methane standards for certain emission sources that are regulated for VOC under the 2012 NSPS (i.e., hydraulically fractured gas well completions, equipment leaks at natural gas processing plants). However, we do not expect any incremental benefits or costs as a result from regulating methane for VOC sources regulated under the 2012 NSPS.

Online resource; title from PDF title page (EPA, viewed Fed. 22, 2017). Project Officer: Elizabeth Miller. Revision of EPA document EPA-452/R-15-002. "May 2016." "EPA-452/R-16-002." Includes bibliographical references.