Ohio Becomes Latest State To Control Methane Emissions From Oil And Gas Operations With General Permits

Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Director Craig Butler finalized new general permits that will reduce air pollution from natural gas compressor stations.

The policies target Volatile Organic Compounds, which can cause negative health impacts, as well as methane – a potent, yet invisible, greenhouse gas responsible for about a quarter of global warming, according to the Environmental Defense Fund.

The policy requires companies to use existing technologies to check new equipment at compressor stations for leaks on a quarterly basis.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, these types of facilities are responsible for approximately a third of U.S. oil and gas methane emissions. Reducing leaks not only reduces health and environmental impacts, it also reduces the amount of gas that companies waste— returning a valuable energy resource to the consumer.

“Oil and gas emissions are a serious problem that can cause irreparable damage to our health, our climate, and our energy economy — requiring companies to find and fix leaky equipment is an affordable way to both reduce harmful pollution and grow the economy. Simply put, it’s the right thing to do,” said Andrew Williams, Senior State Regulatory and Legislative Affairs Manager, Environmental Defense Fund.

“This policy is vital as it comes during a period when many of our nation’s environmental protections are under attack. This action demonstrates the strength of Kasich’s leadership on a critical issue, and secures Ohio’s place among the growing list of red and blue states that are implementing common sense polices to ensure Americans maintain access to a healthy economy and a healthy environment.”

A copy of the Ohio general permits are available online.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has proposed changes to General Permit 5 and a new General Permit 5A to regulate methane emissions from natural gas operations.  Public comments are due June 5.

Click Here for copies of the General Permit and how to submit comments.

NewsClip:

Legere: DEP Chief Defends Methane Rules For Well Sites

Related Story:

PG PowerSource: DEP Defends Authority For Oil & Gas Industry Methane Rules