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EPA Final Rule Targeting Methane Emissions: Covered Entities, Advanced Technology, Third-Party Super Emitter Monitoring

Recording of a 90-minute CLE video webinar with Q&A

This program is included with the Strafford CLE Pass. Click for more information.
This program is included with the Strafford All-Access Pass. Click for more information.

Conducted on Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Recorded event now available

or call 1-800-926-7926

This CLE webinar will guide counsel through the EPA's recently released final rule to drastically reduce methane and other harmful pollutants from the oil and natural gas industry. The panel will discuss covered entities, the use of new and advanced technology for compliance, and the super emitter program which will allow for third-party monitoring of emissions. The panel will address interplay with state plans and other federal laws and provide best practices for compliance.

Description

As part of the current administration's whole-of-government approach to tackling climate change, the EPA recently issued the final rule to drastically reduce methane and other harmful pollutants from the oil and natural gas industry. The final rule includes updated and more stringent standards for methane and other air pollutants from new, modified, and reconstructed sources, as well as emissions guidelines to assist states in developing plans to limit methane emissions from existing sources.

Among other things, the rule will allow owners and operators to use multiple advanced technologies to detect so-called fugitive emissions, where valves or seals may allow methane to escape into the atmosphere during the production of natural gas, as alternatives to periodic optical gas imaging surveys. The rule will also phase out routine flaring of natural gas from new oil wells.

Furthermore, and most notably, the rule establishes a process for targeting super emitters by allowing third-party monitoring using technology such as remote-sensing aircraft or high-resolution satellites to find leaks and requires prompt response and resolution by the responsible party.

Listen as our expert panel guides practitioners through the new rule to mitigate methane emissions and other harmful pollutants and provides best practices for compliance.

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Outline

  1. Introduction: history of the rule
  2. The final rule
    1. Covered entities and emissions sources
    2. Emissions standards
    3. Technology and equipment
    4. Super emitter program
    5. State and tribal plans
    6. Documentation and recordkeeping
    7. Compliance timeline
    8. Other considerations
  3. Interplay with Methane Emissions Reduction Program and other federal laws
  4. Best practices for compliance

Benefits

The panel will review these and other important considerations:

  • How does the final rule apply to existing facilities? To new facilities?
  • How does the final rule allow for the use of advanced technology to monitor emissions? How does this differ from prior practice?
  • What are the requirements for third-party monitoring in the super emitter program? What technologies may be used? What are possible repercussions for being a super emitter?
  • How does the new rule impact state plans? Interact with other federal laws?
  • What is the timeline for compliance with the final rule?

Faculty

Mangelsdorf, Sarah
Sarah B. Mangelsdorf

Partner
Goldberg Segalla

Ms. Mangelsdorf has more than 15 years of experience practicing across a broad range of legal areas, with extensive...  |  Read More

Tabak, Emily
Emily Tabak

Partner
Kirkland & Ellis

Ms. Tabak identifies strategic solutions in environmental regulatory compliance, specializing in waste and chemicals...  |  Read More

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Strafford will process CLE credit for one person on each recording. All formats include course handouts.

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