API Statement on EPA Supplemental Proposed Methane Rule

WASHINGTON, November 11, 2022 – The American Petroleum Institute (API) today released the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency supplemental proposed methane rule from API Senior Vice President of Policy, Economics and Regulatory Affairs Frank Macchiarola:

“API looks forward to reviewing the proposed rule in its entirety and will continue to work with EPA in support of a final rule that is cost-effective, promotes innovation, and creates the regulatory certainty needed for long-term planning. Federal regulation of methane crafted to build on industry’s progress can help accelerate emissions reductions while developing reliable American energy.

"API’s member companies are continuously advancing and deploying new technology to improve methane detection and reduction, and we support efforts to promote this innovation rather than inhibiting it with overly prescriptive red tape.

“Our industry is taking action, and as a result, methane emissions relative to production fell 60% from 2011 to 2020. Industry-led initiatives like The Environmental Partnership are helping to continue that progress with the goal of further reducing methane emissions in every major U.S. basin.” The Environmental Partnership includes more 100 companies who make up more than 70% of total onshore U.S. oil and natural gas production and has implemented a series of methane emissions reducing programs in every major oil and natural gas basin across the country. A recent report from The Partnership found a 45% reduction in flare intensity and a 26% reduction in total flare volumes from participating companies over the past year, even as the number of companies participating in the flare management program grew by 40%.

API represents all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry, which supports more than 11 million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. Our approximately 600 members produce, process and distribute the majority of the nation’s energy, and participate in API Energy Excellence®, which is accelerating environmental and safety progress by fostering new technologies and transparent reporting. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and has developed more than 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.