Oil and Gas Methane Standards (NSPS OOOOb/EG OOOOc)
Current understanding
EPA’s 2024 methane rules under Clean Air Act §111 set new-source performance standards (OOOOb) and emission guidelines for existing sources (OOOOc) across the oil and natural gas sector, covering well sites, compressors, pneumatic controllers, storage tanks, and leak detection, and created a Super Emitter Program that lets third parties flag large plume events for operator follow-up. In 2025 EPA proposed a reconsideration that would rescind the Super Emitter Program, relax well-site classifications and fugitive-emissions survey frequencies, and loosen equipment and control-device requirements, which industry argues cuts compliance costs while environmental groups argue weakens methane reductions. Status: proposed reconsideration (notice-and-comment); 2024 rule remains in effect pending final action.