DENVER – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-1) issued the following statement regarding today’s EPA public hearing on New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants.  There are over 15 revisions and actions in EPA's Proposed Rule, most of which relate to limiting VOCs and SO2 emissions and expanding Oil and Natural Gas source categories to include all operations in the sector. 

"Given Colorado’s leadership in energy development, I am particularly pleased EPA chose Denver for a public meeting to discuss new oil and gas sector New Source Performance Standards and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants.  As advances in technology and practices lead to greatly expanded oil and gas development in Colorado, it is critical we ensure our standards and regulations reflect the rapidly evolving status of the oil and gas industry, while safeguarding our land, air, and water. 

“I am especially interested in the proposed NSPS for completions of fracked wells.  The EPA’s proposal would create two subcategories, non-exploratory/non-delineation wells and exploratory and delineation wells, and would require operational standards of reduced emission completion for the former, and pit flaring for the latter.  These steps would only apply to the wellhead, well bore, casing and tubing, and any conveyance through which gas is vented.  They would not apply to existing storage vessels, process vessels, separators or dehydrators.  These are concrete, easily-accomplished precautions that will protect local communities while ensuring Colorado can safely reap the benefits of responsible energy development. 

“As the oil and gas sector develops and implements new technology, standards have to be revised and clarified to reflect these changes.  These are common-sense proposals and I am happy that public comment in Denver will inform this important process." 

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