Obama Administration Unveils Methane Reductions in Oil and Gas Sector

© REUTERS / Robert GalbraithThe John Amos coal-fired power plant is seen behind a home in Poca, West Virginia
The John Amos coal-fired power plant is seen behind a home in Poca, West Virginia - Sputnik International
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The new rules proposed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will reduce methane emissions by up to 30 percent by 2025 along the entire production and supply chain in the oil and gas sector.

A well pump works at sunset on a farm near Sweetwater, Texas - Sputnik International
US Shale Industry to Face Cuts to Methane Emissions by 45%
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The Obama administration released sweeping new proposals on Tuesday to curb methane and ozone gas emissions in the oil and gas sector in an effort to reach reductions in climate change causing emissions by 45 percent.

The proposal targets production wells, leaks in pipelines and storage facilities and imposes regulations on previously unregulated methane leaks from fracking wells.

"Through our cost-effective proposed standards, we are underscoring our commitment to reducing the pollution fueling climate change and protecting public health while supporting responsible energy development, transparency and accountability," EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said.

The net benefit to the economy is between $120 and $150 million, according to EPA estimates. A number of the regulations are already voluntarily implemented or in place at the state level.

The regulations are expected to push the United States closer to reaching a 45 percent reduction in methane emissions by 2025 from 2012 levels.

Methane is a 25 times more powerful greenhouse gas compared to carbon dioxide.

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