On May 13, 2014, several environmental groups filed a petition requesting that U.S. EPA exercise its authority under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act to limit hazardous air pollutant emissions (HAPs) from oil and gas wells and associated equipment. The petition cites research suggesting that at least 100,000 tons of HAPs are emitted annually from well sites, including benzene, formaldehyde, and methanol, and asserts that EPA is not effectively regulating the pollutants.
The oil and gas industry may consider rebutting the research supporting the petition, particularly in light of the expected reduction of HAP emissions resulting from implementation of EPA’s New Source Performance Standards for the Oil and Gas Industry.