Energy and climate policy, politics, and other stuff

On April 18, 2012, EPA issued rules governing the capture of methane and VOCs from oil and gas hydraulic fracturing operations. Promulgated under the NSPS, the rules only apply to newly drilled wells. Also, EPA gave industry until 2015 to comply with the rules. Until then “green completions” will be voluntary (unless mandated by another entity such as a state, which is the case in Colorado). More information on the EPA rule is available here.

Today is a big day … EPA just released the first rule limiting GHG emissions from new power plants. The rule will require new plants to emit no more than 1,000 lbs of CO2/MWh of electricity produced, which essentially means new plants will need to emit no more than the average U.S. NGCC plant.

Summary of Rule
Rule
Impact Analysis