OMB Begins Review of EPA Proposals to Curb Methane Emissions, Define Major Source

This week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sent a highly-anticipated proposed rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for interagency review that would address methane emissions in the oil and natural gas sector.  Earlier this year, EPA announced its plan to initiate such a rulemaking  as part of its methane reduction strategy.  A second proposed rule was also reportedly sent to OMB for review this week – EPA is working on new definitions for certain regulatory terms associated with permitting sources in the oil and gas industry, in order to assist permitting agencies in making major stationary source determinations.  Both of the proposed rules are expected to be published in the Federal Register in August.