EPA hosting public meeting on proposed air quality standards

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will host a public meeting at the Dallas City Hall on Wednesday, providing information on its proposed standards regarding air quality, which would impact the oil and natural gas industries.

A part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, which seeks, amongst other measures, to reduce methane emissions, the proposed rules would put limits on greenhouse gas and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, and reduce methane short tons by up to 400,000 tons by 2025. The rules also would reduce up to 180,000 tons of VOCs, and 2,500 tons of air toxics such as benzene, toluene and ethylbenzene.

These air quality gains also will benefit from two proposed rules that better define the oil and gas industry permitting requirements in states and Indian country. All told, the EPA estimates that these proposed standards could represent $150 million in climate benefits in 2025.

The meeting will run from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., during which time members of the public will be able to comment on the proposed regulations. Comments also can be submitted via email, fax or letter.

To register to speak at the Dallas meeting, or for information on submitting comments by email, fax or letter, visit www3.epa.gov.