Environmental Regulatory Drivers for Coal Bed Methane Research and Development.

摘要

In 1999, the National Petroleum Council (NPC) stated that the resource base for meeting growing natural gas demands in the United States is adequate. A significant and increasing portion of natural gas production (8% by 2015) is expected to come from coal bed methane (CBM). The NPC cautions that for this to occur, certain factors, including compliance with environmental requirements, must be addressed. Numerous federal, state, and local programs address a variety of environmental issues, including water quality and quantity, air quality, wildlife, noise, and visibility. This paper examines existing and potential environmental regulatory requirements that could affect the timely development and production of CBM resources in the United States.