The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated methane and volatile organic compound (VOC) emission standards for the oil and gas industry to strengthen climate protection. These revisions affect compliance timelines and enforcement for new and existing sources.
Key Regulatory Changes
In 2024, EPA introduced three major initiatives:
• New Source Performance Standards (NSPS OOOOb) and Emission Guidelines (EG OOOOc) targeting methane and VOC reductions.
• Updates to the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, including Subpart W revisions.
• The Waste Emissions Charge (WEC) under the Inflation Reduction Act, later repealed by Congress.
By March 2025, EPA began reviewing these regulations, and on July 28, 2025, issued an interim final rule extending some compliance deadlines.
Industry Impact
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, so controlling emissions from production, processing, transmission, and storage is critical. The revised standards aim to curb methane and VOC emissions significantly in the oil and gas sector.
Legal and Stakeholder Reactions
Environmental groups have challenged EPA’s deadline extensions, citing procedural issues under the Administrative Procedure Act due to a lack of public comment periods.
Recommended Actions for Operators
• Review updated compliance deadlines under NSPS OOOOb and EG OOOOc.
• Monitor EPA’s ongoing reconsideration of methane and VOC regulations.
• Prepare for potential regulatory changes driven by litigation and policy shifts.
Reference: EPA Oil & Gas Actions
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