API seeks delay of US EPA refinery emissions rules
The American Petroleum Institute (API) is asking the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for additional time to make comments on EPA's proposed rules for emissions from the production of oil and natural gas.
API also asked for the EPA to delay its proposed rule for refinery emissions to allow adequate time for EPA to review emissions data submitted by industrial facilities this month, it said.
"We do not oppose rules to help manage upstream emissions, but we are concerned that, unless properly crafted, they could hamper our ability to meet the nation's energy needs," said Howard Feldman, API’s director of regulatory and scientific affairs.
"As EPA's proposal stands today, we have questions about whether we're going to get workable, practical rules that do not obstruct development,” he added.
Feldman said that preparing thorough and meaningful comments on all five of EPAs proposals within 60 days is not reasonable or practicable and asked the agency to allow an additional 60 days for public comment.
"The administration was also right to delay the utility emissions rule... it would also be a good idea for EPA to delay the proposed refinery emissions rule," added Khary Cauthen, API director of federal relations.
"The refinery rule is currently scheduled to be proposed just over one month after EPA finishes collecting emissions data from oil and natural gas companies, but more time is needed to review this information."
Feldman and Cauthen held a conference call with reporters ahead of EPA's public hearings this week in Pittsburgh, Denver, and Arlington, Texas.
You can click here for a copy of testimony API is giving during EPA public hearings, and here to read the full opening statements from the call.
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