As a fellow for The Methane Partners Campaign, I learned how to advocate for methane regulations within the oil and gas sector both statewide and federally, and at the time we were organizing around the passing of the EPA Methane Rule. This regulatory framework aims to reduce methane emissions in the oil and gas industry through stricter monitoring, reporting, and control standards. Some of the key components include:
Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR): Requires companies to regularly inspect their facilities for methane leaks and repair them promptly.
Flaring Restrictions: Limits or bans the flaring (burning) of methane during oil production, pushing companies to either capture and sell the gas or reinject it into the ground.
Equipment Standards: Companies are required to install advanced technologies and equipment designed to limit methane emissions, such as improved valves and compressors.
Monitoring of New and Existing Sources: Guidelines for both new and modified oil and gas sources, as well as efforts to address emissions from older wells and facilities.
This event then became the first rally that I organized and led. While we did have a successful day, The EPA Methane Rule would not be passed until a year later in October of 2023 at COP28.