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API supports new EPA NSPS amendments and calls for proper review of air emissions guidance


202.682.8114 | press@api.org


WASHINGTON, March 1, 2018 – API issued the following statement regarding today’s release of the EPA’s amendments to its oil and gas air emissions standards and the proposed withdrawal of EPA’s 2016 emissions guidance (Control Technique Guidelines), and calls for sound science and proper review.  

“We welcome EPA’s technical modifications to its NSPS OOOOa rule and the proposal to withdraw the CTGs, which will provide regulatory certainty for our industry,” Senior Director of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Howard Feldman. “We are hopeful EPA makes additional improvements to ensure that its rules are science-based and cost-effective. Ozone concentrations and methane emissions are down significantly and air quality continues to improve thanks in part to increased use of domestic natural gas and industry investments in advancing technology.” 

According to EPA data, industry has reduced methane emissions from natural gas production 16.3 percent from 1990-2015, while natural gas production increased 55 percent. Spending in the natural gas and oil industry to improve the environmental performance of its products, facilities and operations totals $322 billion since 1990. Between 2000 and 2014, industry invested about $90 billion in new zero- or low-emissions technologies – more than twice that of the next closest industry sector and nearly as much as the federal government. Total U.S. emissions of VOCs have already decreased by 41 percent since 1990 under the current rules.
                                                         
“API supports EPA following the science and also recognizing the results that state and federal regulations already achieve,” said Feldman. “EPA’s data show that as U.S. oil and natural gas production has increased, industry has been reducing methane emissions. These trends are indicative of what our industry has achieved, primarily due to industry leadership, expanded voluntary efforts and technological innovation, which will continue to help to improve the environment and bolster our nation’s energy security.

“Congress also has an opportunity to ensure that states and businesses are protected from duplicative and burdensome regulations and we are hopeful that they will enact legislative proposals that improve the implementation of the ozone standards while fully maintaining the nation’s commitment to protecting public health and reducing emissions.”        

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 10.3 million U.S. jobs and nearly 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 40 million Americans.


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