On January 12, 2024, EPA announced a proposed rule to tackle wasteful methane emissions from the oil and gas sector through assessing a charge on certain large emitters of waste exceeding emissions intensity levels set by Congress. This Waste Emissions Charge proposed rule delivers on Congress’ directive in the IRA to incentivize the adoption of industry best practices that reduce pollution. It also discusses how the charge will be implemented, from the calculation of the charge to the application of exemptions.
EPA encourages facilities with high methane charges to meet or exceed the levels of performance set by Congress, whose standards of performance are already being achieved by some oil and gas companies. Readily available technologies are deployable to reduce harmful and wasteful emissions. This proposed rule is the third step in a three-part framework EPA is taking to implement the Methane Emissions Reduction Program, created by IRA section 60113 .