On July 24, 2023, the EPA and the DOE released a notice of intent to fund states in the reduction of methane gas from the oil and gas sector. The agencies will provide up to $350 million in formula funding to states to assist industry to voluntarily identify and permanently reduce methane emissions from low-producing (marginal) conventional wells. In addition, EPA and DOE will provide technical assistance to help states, industry, and other partners implement cost-effective solutions that reduce methane leak emissions.
Some funds will also go to the states for environmental restoration and investing in monitoring capacity for low-producing conventional wells.
EPA and DOE intend to offer one or more additional competitive solicitations at a later date to monitor and mitigate methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, which will be available to a broader range of applicants.