Environment & Climate
EPA plans to ease methane rules for low-producing oil wells, draft shows
ProPublica reports that a proposed federal rule would ease equipment upgrade and inspection mandates for 700,000 stripper wells.
The short version
- A draft rule from the EPA aims to relax leak inspection and equipment upgrade requirements for more than 700,000 low-producing stripper wells.[ProPublica]
- The regulatory changes follow petitions from industry trade groups and are projected to save energy companies $42 billion through 2050.[ProPublica]
- Environmental advocates warn the move will increase emissions from wells that yield only 6% of national oil and gas but generate half the sector's methane pollution.[ProPublica]
Key facts
- The draft EPA rule proposes weakening leak inspection and equipment upgrade standards for over 700,000 stripper wells.[ProPublica]
- Stripper wells account for about half of the oil and gas sector's methane pollution while generating 6% of national production.[ProPublica]
- The proposed changes across the sector are estimated to save energy producers $42 billion through 2050.[ProPublica]
- The deregulation was initiated in response to petitions from groups such as the Independent Petroleum Association of America and the National Stripper Well Association.[ProPublica]
What remains uncertain
- The draft proposal remains subject to White House review, and the final timing and final provisions of the regulation are unconfirmed.[ProPublica]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.