USA: API Says EPA Rules for Hydraulic fracturing Need Improvements

In remarks to reporters, API Director of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Howard Feldman called for EPA to make “crucial” reforms to its proposed New Source Performance Standards for emissions from oil and natural gas development, including hydraulic fracturing operations, before the agency finalizes the rules next week:

“The fact is that the industry is already leading efforts to reduce emissions. The technology and equipment being used to reduce emissions were created by the industry. . .and companies are already implementing it in many locations.

“Significant improvements to the rules are crucial to make sure they are workable and achieve emission reductions cost-effectively and safely, while allowing oil and natural gas development to continue.

“The proposal took too much of a one-size-fits-all approach to regulating an industry that varies greatly in the type, size and complexity of operations. . . the proposed rule would require more emission equipment for sources that emit little to no regulated pollutants and should not be subject to these requirements.

“EPA needs to adjust the timeframe for implementation because enough equipment will simply not be available in time to comply with the proposed rule schedule. Our analyses showed that, based on EPA data, it will take between two and three years to manufacture enough specialized equipment and adequately train operators in its safe use.

“The bottom line is that EPA can fix these rules so they reduce emissions in a way still compatible with oil and natural gas development that creates jobs, revenue to the government and energy security.”

API President and CEO Jack Gerard sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson outlining these concerns.

[mappress]
LNG World News Staff, April 13, 2012