Ohio EPA Issues New Oil and Gas Air Pollution Controls
(WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sept. 2, 2015) Ohio Governor John Kasich and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency this week issued new proposals for controlling harmful air pollution at natural gas compressor stations. The policy aims to limit the amount of smog-forming volatile organic compounds escaping from oil and gas infrastructure and, at the same time, will achieve important reductions of methane and other harmful air pollutants.
“Once again, Ohio is leading the way on reducing pollution from oil and gas operations,” said Matt Watson, Associate Vice President of EDF’s Climate and Energy Program. “The proposal serves as a powerful example that strong regulations to protect communities from harmful oil and gas emissions are feasible, cost-effective and necessary.”
EDF is reviewing the proposal in detail and looks forward to working with the Kasich administration and other stakeholders to strengthen the measures before they’re finalized. Upon initial reading, however, it’s clear that the OEPA has taken a thoughtful approach and has incorporated several nationally-leading industry practices into its proposal, including: requiring operators use an infrared camera or other hydrocarbon detection device to scan compressor stations and other equipment for leaks on a quarterly basis; requiring the use of vapor recovery units and other control measures when operators perform pipeline maintenance activities; and placing strong overall limits on emissions from compressors.
One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund
Media Contact
Latest press releases
- September 23, 2024
-
Court Should Deny Shadow Docket Requests to Block Methane Pollution Limits
September 20, 2024 -
CFTC Guidance will Strengthen Voluntary Carbon Credits
September 20, 2024 -
Navajo Nation takes significant action to cut methane, assert tribal sovereignty
September 19, 2024 -
Houston-area High School Students Selected as Winners in Environmental Defense Fund Video Contest
September 16, 2024 -
New Bill Would Help Congress Better Understand Legislation’s Climate Impacts
September 12, 2024