EPA Proposes New Air Pollution Standards for Oil and Gas Drilling

The Environmental Protection Agency proposed new standards on air pollution from oil and gas drilling operations in response to a court order Thursday.

The new standards are aimed to help reduce harmful emissions that are detrimental to air quality and impact public health. In order to meet these standards, the EPA is emphasizing the incorporating of cost-effective technology in gas and oil drilling operations to reduce air emissions. The technology would help drilling operators to capture and sell natural gas, which would ultimately improve the efficiency of operations.

The EPA's proposal would aim to reduce major culprits of smog, including volatile organic compound emissions that come directly from the oil and gas industries. The other emissions released during operations also impact public health due to their toxicity and their ability to cause cancer.

Assistant Administrator for the EPA's Office of Air and Radiation Gina McCarthy commented on the importance of cutting these emissions and the public health implications it would have. McCarthy said, "This administration has been clear that natural gas is a key component of our clean energy future, and the steps announced today will help ensure responsible production of this domestic energy source. Reducing these emissions will help cut toxic pollution that can increase cancer risks and smog that can cause asthma attacks and premature death - all while giving these operators additional product to bring to market."

ABC News reported that the EPA made the proposals in wake of the natural gas drilling boom that has impacted the air quality tremendously in some areas of the country, especially Wyoming, Texas, Pennsylvania and Colorado. The proposals will also address the air implications of "fracking," a natural gas drilling method that has become increasingly controversial due to the resulting human health and environmental health impacts. The EPA's proposal notes a 95 percent reduction in VOCs from fracking wells.

Natural gas production has increased drastically and there are now 25,000 new and existing wells that operate under fracking drilling methods. The EPA is estimating that these new standards would save the oil and gas industry tens of millions of dollars per year by capturing and selling natural gas that can be used for energy instead of escaping into the air.

Under the court order, the EPA must take final action on their proposal by Feb. 28 in addition to accepting comments from the public and holding three public hearings on the proposals announced today.

Rachel Bogart provides an in-depth look at current environmental issues and local Chicago news stories. As a college student from the Chicago suburbs pursuing two science degrees, she applies her knowledge and passion to both topics to garner further public awareness.