Federal Rules on Pollution from Oil and Gas Production and Storage
Official: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Crude Oil and Natural Gas Production Facilities and Natural Gas Transmission and Storage Facilities; Technology Review and Reconsideration
Reading: The EPA proposes not to revise current NESHAP standards, to impose no additional control requirements for methanol, and to defer action on previously unregulated emission points under the first alternative approach, while narrowing the definition of 'associated equipment' to reduce industry burdens.
The agency is also proposing some minor technical fixes to the current regulations.
In clear language
The EPA is reviewing and updating federal rules that limit dangerous air pollution from oil and natural gas facilities. The EPA is proposing to keep most existing pollution standards the same, but is considering whether to add new rules for previously unregulated equipment like storage tanks and loading operations at oil and gas sites. The agency is also proposing some minor technical fixes to the current regulations.
How does this affect you?
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Who does this affect?
- Oil and natural gas companies that operate production, transmission, and storage facilities in New Jersey and nationwide
- Communities near oil and gas operations who may be exposed to hazardous air pollutants like methane and methanol
- Workers at crude oil and natural gas production and transmission facilities
- Air quality regulators in New Jersey and other states enforcing federal pollution standards
What can you do?
- Submit public comments on this proposal to the EPA during the comment period if you live near oil or gas facilities and have concerns about air quality
- Contact your New Jersey state representatives to advocate for stronger pollution controls if you support stricter standards
- Review air quality data for your area on the EPA's website to understand current pollution levels near oil and gas operations
Timeline
- Published: April 22, 2026
In the press
The EPA is targeting oil and natural gas industry emissions with a new rule on methane emissions, addressing pollution from production and storage facilities in the federal regulatory framework.
Coverage retrieved automatically from major and NJ outlets. Links go to the original reporting; the summary above draws only on these headlines.
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
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