Energy Tomorrow Blog
EPA's Missed Opportunity with Proposed OOOOa Amendments
emission reductions methane production standards epa
Jessica Lutz
Posted November 14, 2018
The good news is that EPA’s proposed amendments to the 2016 New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) OOOOa rule will continue the rule’s ability to effectively reduce volatile organic compound and methane emissions from all emission sources addressed in the previous administration’s rule. Methane is the primary component of natural gas – a key product for industry. Producers are incentivized to bring that product to consumers, making its capture a top priority from a business standpoint, in addition to the environmental considerations. Unfortunately, the proposed rule includes several missed opportunities, and could ultimately stifle innovative new technologies in emissions detection and increase the cost of energy for Americans.
As Hurricane Michael Approaches
hurricanes hurricane preparedness safety standards fuels consumers
Jessica Lutz
Posted October 10, 2018
As officials at the National Hurricane Center monitor the projected path of Michael (below, as of Wednesday afternoon), here are a few things to know about industry’s preparations and the critically important fuel supply chain.
As with all impactful storms, industry’s focus is first and foremost safety and keeping the market well-supplied, including storm-affected areas. The nation’s fuel supply system is large, geographically diverse and adaptable – and has a history of responses that minimize disruptions.
Weighing In on EPA's Wastewater Study
water management recycled water epa industry standards
Reid Porter
Posted October 9, 2018
As Hurricane Florence Approaches
hurricanes fuels safety standards consumers hurricane preparedness
Mark Green
Posted September 13, 2018
As officials at the National Hurricane Center monitor the projected path of Florence, here are a few things to know about industry’s preparations and the critically important fuel supply chain.
First, industry’s focus – as with all impactful storms – is safety and keeping the market well-supplied, including storm-affected areas. The nation’s fuel supply system is large, geographically diverse and adaptable – and in the past has responded to minimize disruptions.
Next On Ozone
ozone standards air quality epa
Mark Green
Posted August 21, 2018
EPA’s recent decision not to revisit 2015 ozone standards suggests a couple of points as the agency looks ahead to its scheduled 2020 review of the ozone air quality standards.
First, it’s imperative that EPA build its 2020 review around quality science – for one, to properly consider background levels of ozone and how they affect where the federal government sets the standards. For some parts of the country the 2015 standards were near levels of background ozone – setting up compliance problems for places such as Yellowstone National Park.
Second, on the road to the 2020 review, there should be discussion of implementation relief – from EPA or directly by Congress legislatively.
Energy and ‘Safe + Sound Week’
workplace safety safety standards api
Mark Green
Posted August 13, 2018
API is proud to partner with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for “Safe +Sound Week” (through Sunday), a nationwide event to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of safety and health programs. This includes management leadership, worker participation and a systematic approach to finding and fixing hazards in workplaces.
To mark “Safe + Sound Week,” API is making 22 of its most important safety standards available for free, accessible here.Know What’s Below – Call 8-1-1 Before You Dig
Jessica Lutz
Posted August 3, 2018
Did you know that we’re a week away from National 8-1-1 Day? It might not sound as exciting as National Donut Day, or the recent National Emoji Day (really!), but it might just save you from a huge hassle and keep you safe the next time you plant trees or shrubs.
Joint Worker Safety Program to Help Sustain U.S. Energy
workforce unions infrastructure safety standards
Mark Green
Posted April 18, 2018
The deep relationship between the U.S. natural gas and oil industry and America’s building trades unions – the men and women who build much of our country’s energy infrastructure – is getting deeper.
In remarks to the annual legislative conference of North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), API President and CEO Jack Gerard announced a new program to join the best practices of the two organizations in a new safety initiative, applicable to all energy infrastructure construction.Smarter, More Efficient Regulation for U.S. Energy
regulation offshore safety industry standards
Mark Green
Posted March 26, 2018
Let’s correct a false narrative out there, that the Trump Administration is rolling back natural gas and oil regulation to benefit industry. A different view is that federal officials are deploying smarter, more efficient, more effective regulation of industry operations, onshore and offshore – which will work best to ensure the safe and well-managed energy development America needs for economic growth and national security, today and well into the future.
By smart, efficient and effective regulation we mean clear, commonsense rules that take into account industry’s innovation, advanced technologies and experience, as well as its long, demonstrated commitment to establishing useful standards for operations, equipment and personnel. All of these have strengthened the culture of safety in our industry – particularly in its offshore activities.Strengthening Communities, Being In Communities
community safety standards safe operations workforce state of american energy stem
Mark Green
Posted March 12, 2018
Certainly, Jimmie Pavelock knows what it means to serve in the community. So do members of the natural gas and oil industry. The measure of an industry or a business sector’s commitment to local communities is seen in what they do – as a corporation, or as individuals.
As an industry, we recognize that strengthening the communities in which we operate – and where our employees live and raise their families alongside their neighbors – is about protecting them, providing opportunity for growth and prosperity and in lending a helping hand. It’s about contributing to the greater good.