The US government’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Thursday the revised version of its news rules to regulate methane emissions from new or modified oil or gas wells, including offshore.
The rule limits the allowable emissions and requires operators to submit to quarterly or half-yearly inspections, depending on the type of facility.
This rule was first revealed in August 2015 and has been tweaked a little after public consultation.
The EPA wants to reduce existing emissions by 40-45% by 2025.
Oil and gas industry spokesmen have objected to the rule saying it is unnecessary and will prove too costly, especially in this period of oil-price volatility.
However, another rule requiring oil and gas drillers to seek out and repair methane leaks on existing wells will not be pursued during the current US administration of President Barack Obama.
