EPA Previews Major Revisions of Federal Oil and Gas Rules

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced October 7 that the agency is days away from proposing additional revisions to the Biden Administration’s 2024 oil and natural gas emissions rules, known as OOOOb and OOOOc. According to EPA’s press release, the forthcoming proposal would address several concerns raised by producers and operators, with estimated savings of $45 billion.

Of particular interest to California’s independent producers, EPA plans to propose two alternative approaches for establishing separate categories of well sites, with standards tailored to their circumstances. The agency specifically identified the regulatory burden on marginal wells as a priority.

EPA also intends to propose rescinding the Super Emitter Program, citing concerns about its legal foundation and effectiveness. Other planned revisions would revisit requirements for associated gas from oil wells, separate design and operational standards for covers and closed vent systems, and provide additional technical flexibility for control devices, monitoring, and emissions testing.

For CIPA members, these changes could provide meaningful relief from federal compliance requirements, particularly for marginal wells where regulatory costs can threaten continued operation. Requirements better matched to a facility’s size and operating conditions could help preserve local production, jobs, and investment while maintaining workable emissions controls.

The announcement previews a proposal; it does not change existing requirements. Its practical benefits for California operators will depend on the final federal provisions and their interaction with California’s separate regulatory requirements. Members should watch for publication of the proposed rule and the opportunity to submit comments.