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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.

OMB Requests Public Comment on Regulatory Reform Ideas — Submit Feedback by May 12, 2025

Written by Jeremy on . Posted in Breaking News, Public Comment, Regulatory Updates. No Comments on OMB Requests Public Comment on Regulatory Reform Ideas — Submit Feedback by May 12, 2025

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is inviting the public to submit ideas for reforming federal regulations as part of its Modernizing Regulatory Review initiative. This request for comment is aimed at identifying ways to improve, streamline, or eliminate regulations that may be outdated, duplicative, or unnecessarily burdensome.

Small businesses in Pennsylvania—especially those in manufacturing, energy, or other regulated sectors—are encouraged to share their experiences and suggestions.

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy has posted a summary of the opportunity in their regulatory alerts: OMB Asks the Public for Deregulatory Ideas

What You Can Do:

  • Reflect on which federal rules significantly impact your small business’s operations, time, or costs.

  • Consider suggesting reforms to permitting, reporting, or compliance processes.

  • Submit your feedback to OMB by Monday, May 12, 2025.

Why This Matters:

Your input can help shape more effective and efficient federal regulations—supporting both environmental protection and small business growth.

Need Help?
EMAP offers free, confidential assistance to Pennsylvania small businesses navigating environmental regulations. If you need help identifying relevant regulations or drafting your comment, we’re here to help. Simply contact us by emailing questions@askemap.org.

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.