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Texas Challenges Methane Rules

Methane Emissions Safety

TexasRailroad Commissioners warn against the new proposed methane rules.

Related: New Ruling to Slash Methane Emissions

In a letter to the head of the EPA, Railroad Commission Chairman David Porter and Commissioners Christi Craddick and Ryan Sitton warned against further federal overreach of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rules on methane emissions for oil and gas operators. The letter highlighted the unnecessary cost to oil and gas operators that would likely stifle innovation and jobs in the industry.

In August, President Obama revealed a plan that would require oil and gas companies to cut methane pollution from drilling sites, distribution systems and in other areas of operation by 32 percent by 2030. This ruling is part of the President’s broad and aggressive plan to fight climate change, and many believe it would literally transform the energy industry.

The EPA estimates that the ruling might cost the industry as much as $420 million and add more stress to fatigued companies who have battled for months of low crude prices.

Read more at rrc.texas.gov