Managing Air Quality in Oil and Gas Extraction Sites
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken significant steps to combat climate change and reduce air pollution in the oil and gas industry. The focus of these regulations is primarily on methane and other pollutants, with the aim of updating performance standards and emissions guidelines.
Key recent regulatory actions include the 2025 Interim Final Rule, issued in July 2025. This rule extends compliance deadlines for owners and operators of new, modified, and existing oil and natural gas sources under the 2024 Emissions Guidelines. The rule also gives states an additional approximately 10 months beyond the original March 2026 deadline to submit plans to reduce methane emissions from hundreds of thousands of existing sources nationwide.
The 2024 Emissions Guidelines apply specifically to existing sources and include model regulations states may adopt for methane emission reductions. The guidelines also establish a "super emitter" detection program using EPA-approved remote-sensing technology to provide data on large methane leaks.
The EPA is scheduled to hold virtual public hearings in September 2025 to solicit public input on the interim final rule and extended comment periods through October 2025. This provides stakeholders more opportunity to engage before final deadlines.
It's worth noting that while these emissions regulations for oil, gas, and power plants are being progressed, the EPA has also proposed controversial rollbacks for vehicle greenhouse gas standards under the Clean Air Act, reflecting shifts in climate and air pollution policy.
These regulations apply to equipment and activities used for the onshore oil and natural gas industry. However, as of March 12, 2025, the Trump EPA announced the reconsideration of Biden-Harris rules regarding certain regulations (OOOOb and OOOOc), which are believed to strain American energy producers.
The oil and natural gas industry is a significant source of smog-forming volatile organic compounds and is the largest industrial source of the greenhouse gas methane. The EPA's Clean Air Act regulations for oil and natural gas operations aim to address these issues and improve public health.
Information about voluntary methane programs for the oil and gas industry is available. For more details, interested parties are encouraged to visit the EPA's official website or attend the upcoming public hearings.
[1] EPA.gov: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-extends-compliance-deadlines-oil-and-natural-gas-operations-under-clean-air-act [2] EPA.gov: https://www.epa.gov/clean-power-plan/clean-power-plan-proposed-rule [3] EPA.gov: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-public-hearings-and-comment-period-extension-proposed-oil-and-natural [4] EPA.gov: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-proposes-revise-2022-greenhouse-gas-emissions-standards-passenger-cars-and-light- [5] EPA.gov: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-issues-final-rule-strengthening-oil-and-natural-gas-source-performance-standards
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations for the oil and natural gas industry aim to reduce air pollution, primarily focusing on methane and other pollutants, with the goal of improving public health and addressing issues like smog and climate change.
- The EPA has proposed regulatory actions, such as the 2025 Interim Final Rule, to combat climate change by extending compliance deadlines for existing sources and establishing a "super emitter" detection program.
- Interested parties can find information about these regulatory actions, including voluntary methane programs for the oil and gas industry, on the EPA's official website.
- In contrast to these emissions regulations, the EPA has proposed controversial rollbacks for vehicle greenhouse gas standards under the Clean Air Act, reflecting shifts in climate and air pollution policy.
- The EPA's Clean Air Act regulations are scheduled to work in tandem with other initiatives, such as the Clean Power Plan, to minimize energy industry's impact on the environment and mitigate climate change through finance, energy, and scientific advancements.
