API comment on EPA emissions rules

API asked the EPA for additional time to make comments on the EPA’s proposed rules for emissions from production of oil and gas. API also asked the EPA to delay its proposed rule for refinery emissions to allow adequate time for EPA to review emissions data submitted by industrial facilities this month.

‘We do not oppose rules to help manage upstream emissions, but we are concerned that, unless properly crafted, they could hamper our ability to meet the nation’s energy needs,’ said Howard Feldman, API director of regulatory and scientific affairs. ‘As EPA’s proposal stands today, we have questions about whether we’re going to get workable, practical rules that do not obstruct development.’

Feldman said that preparing thorough and meaningful comments on all five of EPA’s proposals within 60 days is not reasonable or practicable and asked the agency to allow an additional 60 days for public comment.

‘The administration was also right to delay the utility emissions rules…it would also be a good idea for EPA to delay the proposed refinery emissions rule,’ added Khary Cauthen, API director of federal relations. ‘The refinery rule is currently scheduled to be proposed just over one month after EPA finishes collecting emissions data from oil and natural gas companies, but more time is needed to review this information.’

Feldman and Cauthen held a conference call with reporters ahead of EPA’s public hearings this week in Pittsburgh, Denver and Arlington, Texas.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/28092011/api_comment_on_epa_emissions_rules/