DEP also said it will incorporate recent changes to the federal oil and gas methane reduction requirements into the plan and regulation for implementing 0000c.
In April, DEP told the House Environmental and Natural Resource Protection Committee the agency received over 10,000 comments on its initial 0000c plan.
Comments from industry and many from environmental groups said DEP should adopt its own regulations, but for different reasons. Read more here.
Click Here for undated DEP announcement of the new methane regulations.
Aug. 6 Air Quality Committee Meeting
The new approach to implementing the federal 0000c regulation will be discussed at the August 6 meeting of DEP’s Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee.
DEP’s presentation to the Air Quality Committee says two factors led to the change in direction from DEP’s initial approach of using general permits to implement the requirements--
-- A change in state law requiring all Air Quality Permits to be reviewed in 30 days (Act 45 of 2025): “Considering the volume of applications and staff limitations, the Department determined that the General Permit approach would be untenable.”
-- Several key changes in the federal requirements extending compliance deadlines, revised flaring standards and other monitoring requirements.
DEP said “Based on public comments, the enactment of Act 45 of 2025, and changes at the federal level, the Department is revising the proposed General Permit enforcement mechanism.
“To enforce the requirements under 40 CFR Part 60 Subpart OOOOc, the Department will propose a state rulemaking process under the authority of the APCA.
“These revisions are reflected in the final State Plan, and the Model Rule language has been removed.
“The State Plan was also revised to reflect federal changes and incorporate requirements for meaningful engagement and public testimony.”
DEP said it expects to submit its state plan to implement the federal 0000c regulation by January 22, 2027.
DEP also said in its presentation it will be conducting an “information request for equipment inventories from conventional [oil and gas] well site[s] and centralized production facility operators.”
And will also “review collected data to determine appropriate standards of performance” for facilities.
DEP expects to conduct additional “public engagement” on the regulations it proposes for conventional and shale gas operations as well as present them to the appropriate advisory committees.
Click Here for a copy of DEP’s Presentation.
DEP 2022 Oil & Gas Methane Regulations
The Environmental Quality Board adopted regulations in December 2022 requiring methane pollution reductions from conventional oil and gas facilities in response to a federal rule then in effect.
Conventional well owners challenged the regulations in court and did not have to comply with the requirement to submit a compliance report until a settlement with DEP in April required them to submit their first report by June 1, 2025. Read more here.
DEP reported in November, 2025, more than 99% of the 4,950 conventional oil and gas well owners failed to comply with the reporting requirement. Read more here.
During the process of adopting the 2022 regulations, DEP estimated conventional oil and gas facilities would account for 80 percent of the total methane emission reductions expected under the regulations which covered both conventional and unconventional shale gas facilities. Read more here.
Shale gas facility owners submitted their first reports on June 1, 2024 to cover 2023 emissions as required.
Join The Meeting
The DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting will be held on August 6 starting at 9:15 a.m. in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg.
Click Here to join the meeting via Microsoft Teams. Click Here for other options.
Public Comments
Anyone interested in providing public comments at the AQTAC meeting is encouraged to pre-register prior to the start of the meeting by emailing the AQTAC Liaison at: RA-EPAQTAC@pa.gov.
Commenters are encouraged, but not required, to email written versions of their intended comments at least 24 hours prior to the meeting to AQTAC Liaison at: RA-EPAQTAC@pa.gov) with CC to John Tissue at: jctissue@msn.com so they may be shared with AQTAC members in advance.
Commenters should be aware the time slot for the Public Comment Opportunity is subject to change and may begin and conclude earlier than shown on this agenda.
Reactions
John Rutecki, Regulatory and Legislative Manager, Environmental Defense Fund, issued this statement on the Governor's action--
"Governor Shapiro has taken a critical next step toward comprehensive protections that cut methane emissions.
"By enacting comprehensive rules that reduce emissions from low-producing well sites and bring stakeholders to the table, Pennsylvania can demonstrate climate leadership that reduces pollution, protects public health and supports a thriving and competitive energy industry.”
Recent measurement data from the Appalachian Methane Initiative show where the greatest opportunities for emissions reductions exists.
While some higher-producing well sites have achieved low methane loss rates through modern technology and operating practices, low-producing well sites [conventional oil and gas wells] are responsible for about half of emissions, despite contributing only a small amount to total production in Pennsylvania.
Addressing low-producing well-site emissions is essential to achieving meaningful climate pollution reductions across Pennsylvania's oil and gas sector.
“A well-designed methane rule can recognize operational differences, provide cost-effective compliance options for smaller operators, and ensure deep reductions in methane emissions,” said Rutecki.
Reducing methane pollution also positions Pennsylvania for long-term success in rapidly evolving energy markets.
As demand grows from liquefied natural gas exports, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and new data centers, buyers are increasingly seeking cleaner sources of energy. Strong statewide standards can help Pennsylvania producers improve the economic competitiveness in domestic and international markets that shift toward low-methane intensity gas.
Beyond the economic benefits, reducing methane emissions will improve air quality by reducing ozone-forming volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants such as benzene and toluene released alongside methane, benefiting the more than 1 million Pennsylvanians who live within a half-mile of oil and gas development.
“Today’s action begins an important public process,” said Rutecki. “EDF looks forward to working with the DEP, industry, policymakers and stakeholders to develop practical standards that reduce waste, strengthen Pennsylvania's energy economy, improve air quality and ensure every major source of methane emissions is properly addressed,” said Rutecki.
John Walliser, Senior Vice President for Legal & Government Affairs, Pennsylvania Environmental Council-- "We commend DEP and Governor Shapiro for taking this important step toward methane protections for Pennsylvania.
“The Commonwealth has both an opportunity and a responsibility to reduce unnecessary emissions while strengthening the long-term competitiveness of its energy industry. Environmental stewardship and economic growth are not competing priorities-- a well-designed and durable methane rule will reduce waste, improve air quality, and provide regulatory certainty for operators investing in the Commonwealth's energy future.”
Alison L. Steele, Executive Director, Environmental Health Project-- “Everyone in Pennsylvania deserves to be healthy, no matter where they live, but those near oil and gas infrastructure face higher health risks from pollution exposure.
“Unintentional leaks and planned releases from facilities, pipelines, and other equipment emit methane and toxic co-pollutants that are harmful to those nearby.
“Research demonstrates increased incidence of asthma, heart disease, birth impacts, cancers, and other conditions near oil and gas development.
“Adverse health outcomes also contribute to poor economic outcomes when we consider increased medical costs, doctor visits, and days of missed work and school.
“For that reason, it is essential that Pennsylvania have strong, health-protective policies that are based on reliable public health research.
“We are encouraged by today’s announcement from the Shapiro administration that the DEP will be developing a state methane rule for both conventional and unconventional wells.
“A strong example from Pennsylvania is more critical than ever, and Governor Shapiro has laid the groundwork for public health protections that can have real impact and longevity.
“We look forward to seeing a comprehensive rule that is grounded in science, addresses often-overlooked sources of methane, and meaningfully protects the health of Pennsylvanians.”
Vanessa Lynch, Pennsylvania Campaign Coordinator, Moms Clean Air Force-- "As a mom living in southwestern Pennsylvania, I know firsthand the importance of knowing the air my children breathe is safe.
“Families should never have to wonder whether pollution from nearby oil and gas operations could affect their children's health or their future.
“Today's announcement is an important step toward giving Pennsylvania's parents that peace of mind.
“Strong methane protections won't just reduce methane, they will also reduce the harmful air pollutants that often accompany it, helping create healthier communities for our children to grow, learn, and play.
“We don’t have to choose between a strong energy economy and healthy families. We can reduce pollution with smart, comprehensive, cost-saving protections that ensure our children can breathe clean air. That's the kind of future parents across the Commonwealth want to see."
Alice Lu, Policy Analyst, Clean Air Council-- "Today's announcement is an important step toward protecting every Pennsylvanian's right to breathe clean air.
“Methane pollution is more than a climate pollutant; it often comes with toxic air pollutants that harm the health of people living closest to oil and gas operations.
“Pennsylvania has an opportunity to reduce pollution in communities that have shouldered the environmental burdens of oil and gas extraction, while also reducing waste from the industry.
“We thank Governor Shapiro and DEP for taking this step to protect clean air and healthy communities.
“This rule will demonstrate Pennsylvania’s environmental leadership, targeting the state’s largest sources of methane pollution while ensuring meaningful protections for impacted communities.”
Kim Anderson, Evangelical Environmental Network’s Director of Member Mobilization and Pennsylvania resident said-- "“This announcement from the DEP comes as such a relief to the children and families of Pennsylvania who, for too long, have lived with the dangers of methane pollution.
“We thank Governor Shapiro and DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley for taking this action to defend our residents from the threat of poisons emitted from oil and gas production, distribution, and transportation, which include not only methane-- which is a potent greenhouse gas-- but also cancer-causing pollutants like benzene, VOCs [volatile organic compounds], and other toxic chemicals.
“Soon enough, Pennsylvania’s children will be protected from these toxics related to respiratory and cardiovascular disease and a host of other health problems.
“Methane is also associated with the extreme weather and rising temperatures we are facing today, which have resulted in drastic increases in the number of Lyme disease and other vector-borne disease diagnoses across the Commonwealth.
“I am glad to know that my children and their friends will be safer going forward.”
Flora Cardoni, Deputy Director, PennEnvironment-- “As Pennsylvania gets battered with the effects of extreme weather like wildfire smoke, dangerously high heat and damaging microburst storms, it's a reminder that we must do everything in our power to reduce the state's climate pollution as quickly as possible.
“The policy announced this week by the Shapiro administration is a commonsense and effective way to prevent the emission of millions of tons of one of the most potent climate pollutants– methane.
“By reducing methane emissions across the state from natural gas leaks, we will help protect public health, reduce climate pollution, and ensure cleaner air for current and future generations.
“We look forward to working with the DEP throughout the rulemaking process to help make that future a reality."
Lauren Posey, Environmental Policy Advocate, Westmoreland County-based Protect PT-- "We appreciate Governor Shapiro and the DEP for taking this important step toward reducing methane pollution and better protecting Pennsylvania communities.
“For too many families living near oil and gas development, the impacts of air pollution are part of everyday life. This rulemaking is an opportunity to address those concerns with meaningful action.
“The strongest methane standards will be those that focus on the largest sources of pollution while ensuring that the people most affected have a voice throughout the rulemaking process.
“Communities deserve clean air, transparency, and confidence that their health and quality of life will be prioritized during energy development.
“Pennsylvania has an opportunity to demonstrate that responsible energy production includes protecting the people who live closest to it.
“We look forward to working with the DEP to help develop a rule that reduces pollution, strengthens accountability, and delivers real benefits for communities across the Commonwealth."
Melissa Ostroff, Pennsylvania Policy and Field Manager, Earthworks-- “Governor Shapiro promised to protect Pennsylvania communities by cutting oil and gas pollution. Today’s announcement is a major step toward keeping his word.
“The Trump administration has chosen to put polluters before people, which is why the Shapiro administration must establish methane rules grounded in Pennsylvania’s own authority.
“The oil and gas industry can and must be held accountable to stop pollution that harms communities and our climate.
“We have documented methane leaking across the whole supply chain. The good news is that many leaks can be fixed once detected.
“Rules that actually work should include strong standards for monitoring and accountability on wells of all sizes and types, well pads large and small, and include strong requirements for the ‘conventional’ well industry that is responsible for causing more than fifty-percent of industry’s methane pollution.
“Pennsylvanians deserve clean air and a future without a climate in crisis. Cutting methane pollution from oil and gas is one of the fastest, most impactful and least costly actions we can take today.
“These rulemakings represent a chance to set a national example by adopting methane standards that are practical, science-based, and effective.
“We look forward to working with the DEP throughout this process to ensure the final rules protect public health and our climate.”
PA Oil & Gas Industry Public Notice Dashboards:
-- Pennsylvania Oil & Gas Weekly Compliance Dashboard
-- DEP: Equitrans Water SVC LLC [EQT] Suffers Another Contaminated Water Release From Buried Shale Gas Wastewater Pipeline In Aleppo Twp., Greene County [PaEN]
-- DEP: INR Midstream LLC Failed To Prevent Accelerated Erosion, Sedimentation Along Cooper To Jost Van Dyke Gas & Water Pipelines Construction Right-Of-Way In Young Twp., Indiana County [PaEN]
-- DEP: Contaminated Water Storage Tank At Abandoned Conventional Oil Well Site Sat Broken Open For Nearly 3 Years With No Response From Owner In Clover Twp., Jefferson County [PaEN]
-- DEP: Raymond D. Langer Fails To Clean Up Contaminated Water Spills, Address Other Violations, Comply With DEP Order For 1,283 Days [PaEN]
-- DEP: Crude Oil Gathering Pipeline Failure In Conventional Oil Well Field Contaminated 750 Feet Of Chappel Fork Creek In Hamilton Twp., McKean County [PaEN]
-- PA Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities: Permit Notices, Opportunities To Comment - July 25 [PaEN]
-- DEP To Adopt Regulations Limiting Methane Emissions From Conventional Oil & Gas, Shale Gas Infrastructure; Will Outline Approach At Aug. 6 Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee Meeting [PaEN]
-- DEP Invites Comments On Chapter 105 Permit For Appalachia Midstream Services Natural Gas Pipeline In Elkland Twp., Sullivan County [PaEN]
-- DEP Invites Comments On MarkWest Liberty Midstream Project To Daylight 4 Natural Gas Pipelines To Prevent Damage From Longwall Coal Mining In West Finley Twp., Allegheny County [PaEN]
-- DEP Invites Comments On Eastern Gas Transmission & Storage Daylighting Project For 30-Inch Natural Gas Pipeline To Prevent Longwall Coal Mining Damage In Greene County [PaEN]
-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission Approved 21 Shale Gas Well Pad Water Use General Permits In June; 188 In 2026 [PaEN]
-- DEP Posted 54 Pages Of Permit-Related Notices In July 25 PA Bulletin [PaEN]
-- Governor’s Office Published Regulatory Agenda, DEP Published Non-Regulatory (Technical Guidance) Agenda To Provide Opportunities For Public Involvement [PaEN]
-- Appalachian Transmission Company (FirstEnergy) - Milesburg 230KV Transmission Line Upgrade Project: DEP invites comments on Individual Stormwater Permit for a transmission line upgrade project located in Mifflinburg Borough, Centre County. (PA Bulletin, page 4412) Read more here.
-- Constellation Energy Generation LLC - Three Mile Island Nuclear Data Center Power Plant: DEP issued storage tank permits for two aboveground tanks-- 200,000 gallons and 50,000 gallon-- at the facility located in Londonderry Twp., Dauphin County. (PA Bulletin, page 4446)
Related Articles This Week:
-- DEP To Adopt Regulations Limiting Methane Emissions From Conventional Oil & Gas, Shale Gas Infrastructure; Will Outline Approach At Aug. 6 Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee Meeting [PaEN]
-- The Conversation: Pennsylvania Roads Are Being Coated In Radioactive Oil & Gas Wastewater - New DEP Well Permit Allows Uncontrolled Use [PaEN]
-- Penn State Geography Researchers Want Your Help To Develop Tool To Help Public Better Identify Threats To Health, Environment From Oil & Gas Development [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- Spotlight PA: Josh Shapiro Built National Fame On Getting Things Done, But His Full Record Is Complex
-- Capital & Main - Audrey Carleton: Gov. Shapiro Walks A Fine Line On Climate; His Opponent Just Wants To Drill For Shale Gas
-- Sen. Yaw: Bill Signed Into Law To Ensure Responsible Solar Development [No Provisions Like This In Place For Natural Gas-Fired Power Plants, A.I. Data Centers, Natural Gas Processing Plants, Pipelines, Compressor Stations And Other Infrastructure Presenting Real Hazards]
-- Utility Dive: Natural Gas Power Generation Decreased 4% In 2025; Coal-Fired Power Plant Generation Increased 13%; Wind & Solar Generation Increased 3% and 34%
-- EQT Natural Gas Releases 2025 Sustainability Report: ‘Built For What’s Next’
-- Pittsburgh Business Times: EQT Natural Gas Hits Net-Zero Emissions For 2nd Straight Year For Natural Gas Production
-- Financial Times: Oil Hits $100 For First Time Since May
[Posted: July 24, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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