The Gas Processors Association (GPA) today filed four requests with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to its suite of regulations addressing methane emissions in the oil and gas sector. GPA filed a separate request for each regulation published in the federal register on Sept. 18, asking EPA to extend the comments period beyond the published Nov. 17 deadline.

"The regulations are complex, and it will take more time than the short 60-day window that EPA has allotted to understand and evaluate the true impact on the midstream sector," said Matthew Hite, GPA vice president of government affairs. "As proposed, each rule will have a significant financial and resource impact on our members, and it is only reasonable to allow an additional 60 days to each of these rule proposals to allow sufficient time to thoroughly review the proposal, fully understand its impacts and develop thoughtful comments and recommendations."

GPA responded to "Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New and Modified Sources;" "Review of New Sources and Modifications in Indian Country: Federal Implementation Plan for Managing Air Emissions from True Minor Sources Engaged in Oil and Natural Gas Production in Indian Country;" "Source Determination for Certain Emission Units in the Oil and Natural Gas Sector;" and "Release of Draft Control Techniques Guidelines for the Oil and Natural Gas Industry."

"GPA has worked collaboratively with EPA for many years and is committed to continue in this effort to strive for cost-effective rules that minimize the impact to the domestic energy infrastructure," Hite said.

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