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Tag: proposed rule

PA DEP Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Methane Emissions Plan for Existing Oil and Gas Facilities

Written by Jeremy on . Posted in Breaking News, Public Comment, Regulatory Updates. No Comments on PA DEP Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Methane Emissions Plan for Existing Oil and Gas Facilities

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is inviting public comment on a proposed State Plan to reduce methane emissions from existing crude oil and natural gas facilities across the state. The proposal is in response to a federal rule from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart OOOOc—also known as the Emissions Guidelines (EG) for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Existing Oil and Natural Gas Operations.

This federal rule, part of the EPA’s broader climate review for the oil and natural gas sector, sets national “presumptive standards” to limit methane—a potent greenhouse gas—from facilities that were in operation on or before December 6, 2022. These standards are designed to improve air quality and reduce emissions through updated monitoring, leak detection and repair (LDAR), and equipment upgrades.

Under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act, states like Pennsylvania must create and submit plans to the EPA to implement and enforce these federal guidelines at the state level. DEP’s proposed State Plan outlines how Pennsylvania will meet these federal requirements, including timelines for industry compliance.

What This Means for Small Oil and Gas Operators:

If your business owns or operates existing crude oil and natural gas facilities, this rule may impact your operations. The proposal may require new compliance measures such as enhanced leak detection, emissions controls, and recordkeeping. The proposed plan includes specific compliance schedules, giving operators time to prepare and adjust.

Public Comment Period Open Until July 30, 2025

DEP is accepting public comments on the proposed plan through July 30, 2025. You can view the full proposal and its appendices online at https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/eComment/.

In addition, a series of public hearings has been scheduled from June 30 through July 16, 2025 at various locations throughout the Commonwealth.  Advanced registration is needed at least 1 week in advance to provide public testimony.

How to Submit Comments:

  • Online: Use DEP’s eComment system: https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/eComment/

  • Email: Send to ecomment@pa.gov (include your name and address)

  • Mail:
    Policy Office
    Department of Environmental Protection
    Rachel Carson State Office Building
    P.O. Box 2063
    Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063

If providing comments, please include “Proposed OOOOc State Plan” in the subject line of your written comment. Comments sent by fax will not be accepted.

In addition, for questions or to request copies of the proposed plan, contact Panna Chibber at (717) 772-3993 or pchibber@pa.gov.

Proposed Rulemaking for Dry Cleaning Facilities

Written by mike on . Posted in Breaking News, Regulatory Updates. No Comments on Proposed Rulemaking for Dry Cleaning Facilities

EPA has proposed amendments to the National Perchloroethylene Air Emission Standards for Dry Cleaning Facilities. This proposal would add provisions which would require all dry-to-dry machines at new and existing facilities to have both refrigerated condensers and carbon adsorbers as secondary controls.
The request for comment period is currently open.  EPA seeks comments and information regarding the number of third generation and earlier model dry cleaning machines that potentially could still be in operation.  In addition, EPA seeks information on dry cleaning practices, processes, and control technologies that could reduce emissions from hazardous air pollutions, or HAPs, for fourth generation (or better) dry cleaning machines.
A copy of the rule summary, the new proposed rule, and fact sheets can be found here.
General speaking, most dry cleaning facilities and operations are small businesses.  Estimates from EPA report that there are approximately 10,000 to 15,000 perchloroethylene dry cleaning facilities in the United States.  Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic it is estimated that 10-15% of perc dry cleaners have closed.

Jeremy Hancher

Jeremy Hancher is the EMAP Program Manager located at the Widener University SBDC.  He holds over 15 years of experience in environmental compliance, environmental policy, and program management.  He is proud to be the team lead of the award-winning EMAP program which provides free and confidential environmental assistance to the Pennsylvania small business community in fulfillment of the requirements of the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act and Section 507 of the federal Clean Air Act.
In 2015, Jeremy was part of the team effort when EMAP was recognized by US EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy for Outstanding Accomplishments by a State Small Business Environmental Assistance Provider in Providing Technical Environmental Assistance to the Small Business Community. Jeremy holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a certificate from the Wharton School.