EPA Eyes Methane Emissions From Compressors: Potential rule could require VRUs or better rod packing

摘要

Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed new carbon reductions for existing power plants. The power plant rule assumes coal-fired plants are replaced predominantly by natural gas-fired plants. While this is good news for the natural gas compression industry, more natural gas regulations are also squarely in the federal government's crosshairs. CO_2 is much more prevalent than methane, but the disproportionate climate effect of methane in the atmosphere has spurred pressure from activists for regulation. In late March, the Obama Administration released its "Strategy to Reduce Methane Emissions." That initial announcement was light on details, but on April 15 a preview of the regulatory push occurred when the EPA published white papers on emissions of methane and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in five operational categories. Methane is a greenhouse gas (GHG), and VOCs are precursors to ground-level ozone. Released for external peer review and public comments, the white papers cover emissions from compressors, completions and production of hydraulically fractured oil wells, leaks, liquids unloading and pneumatic devices.