API supports EPA proposed rule on increasing consistency, transparency for Clean Air Act rulemaking

The American Petroleum Institute (API) recently expressed support of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) June 4 proposal on “Increasing Consistency and Transparency in Considering Benefits and Costs in the Clean Air Act Rulemaking Process.”

EPA’s proposed rule, when finalized, will codify best practices for benefit-cost analysis in rulemaking, and provide clarity for states, local communities, industry, and other relevant stakeholders.

“API supports this proposal to provide consistency and greater transparency in analyzing the benefits and costs of proposed rules,” said Frank Macchiarola, API senior vice president of Policy, Economics and Regulatory Affairs. “Ensuring the EPA’s rulemaking process uses clear and consistent data showing how the agency developed proposed rules will benefit the public, industry and all stakeholders. The past decade is proof that we can achieve environmental progress and economic growth at the same time. Under improved Clean Air Act provisions, continued innovation and technologies developed by the oil and natural gas industry can build on these achievements.”

Combined emissions from the six common pollutants dropped by 7 percent between 2017 and 2019, the EPA reported, and the number of days listed as unhealthy for sensitive groups dropped by 40 percent between 2018 and 2019. Precursor pollutants have been reduced by 77 percent between 1970 and 2019.

The Environmental Partnership, a collaborative effort between more than 80 U.S. oil and natural gas companies, and other such initiatives have demonstrated action-oriented, cost-effective approaches to reducing methane and volatile organic compound emissions.

Collaborative efforts, such as the “Sustainability Reporting Guidance for the Oil and Gas Industry” framework developed by API, IPIECA, and the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers, provide additional support for companies operating under state and federal regulations while adding incentives and collaborative opportunities.

EPA will accept comments on the proposal for 45 days after publication in the Federal Register.