Methane Regulations Overview: U.S. and Canada

Energy industry regulations can be complex, they change rapidly, and they vary by location. At Bridger Photonics, we track changes in methane regulations and how they apply to advanced methane detection technologies used by oil and gas operators. Read below for more information and links to the pertinent regulation resources.

Currently, Gas Mapping LiDAR™ (GML) is deployed widely across the U.S and Canada. Federal, state, or provincial regulations, as well as other local regulations, may all be applicable to your sites.* The following resources cover regulations that GML is currently used to comply with, in addition to upcoming regulations that we anticipate GML will be used for.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees a range of environmental regulations including emissions performance standards for certain oil and gas infrastructure as well as greenhouse gas reporting requirements. Key EPA regulations for oil and gas include the mandatory greenhouse gas reporting program (GHGRP, 40 CFR Part 98 Subpart W), and performance standards in 40 CFR Part 60.

EPA NSPS OOOOb and OOOOc

In November 2021, the EPA proposed emissions performance standards for new, modified, or reconstructed equipment (proposed 40 CFR Part 60 Subpart NSPS OOOOb) alongside emissions guidelines for existing infrastructure (proposed 40 CFR Part 60 Subpart EG OOOOc; meant to be addressed primarily by state implementation plans). This rulemaking was updated by a supplemental proposed rule in November 2022. The updated proposed rule would allow for emissions monitoring and compliance verification at well sites, centralized production facilities, and compressor stations to be performed using an advanced methane sensing technology such as GML. The EPA is expected to issue the final rule by the end of 2023. 

We fully anticipate that GML will be approved as a compliance tool for NSPS OOOOb and OOOOc.

Bridger's Comment Letter on U.S. EPA Methane Regulations

EPA Subpart W

In August of 2023, the EPA proposed revisions to subpart W of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (40 CFR 98). The proposed amendments incorporate calculation methodologies and reporting requirements of additional emissions or emission sources, including "Other large release events" revisions to add to new or revise existing calculation methodologies, revisions to existing reporting requirements, and more. 

Our Bridger Photonics team is actively working on public comments. The comment period closes Oct 2nd, 2023. 

Read the EPA Fact Sheet on Subpart W Amendments

Read the Proposed Rule
 

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) that regulates oil and gas pipelines in the United States to ensure the safe transportation of energy resources. PHMSA has established regulations for leak detection in natural gas pipelines to minimize gas releases and ensure the safe operation of pipelines. These regulations require operators to conduct leak surveys and repair identified leaks promptly. 

In May 2023, PHMSA released a proposed rule to “significantly improve the detection and repair of leaks from gas pipelines.” Utilization of advanced leak detection technologies is a required component of this new rule.

Bridger's Comment Letter on PHMSA Regulations

U.S. DOT Press Release on PHMSA Regulations
 

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) oversees the securities industry and financial markets. The agency proposed a rule in 2022 aiming to enhance and standardize climate-related disclosures for investors. The proposed rule would require public companies to disclose their climate-related risks and opportunities, including their methane emissions, as well as other factors. The proposed rule seeks to provide investors with more complete information to make informed investment decisions and facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Read the SEC’s Fact Sheet on the Proposed Rule

Read Our Joint Comment Letter on SEC's Proposed Rule

Environment and Climate Change Canada

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is the Canadian federal regulatory agency that oversees rules related to the environment and natural resources. ECCC recently proposed a regulatory framework for reducing oil and gas methane emissions to achieve the nation’s 2030 emissions reduction target of 75% reduction relative to 2012, including stringent numerical emission performance requirements for most emission sources. For many federal regulations, there are equivalency agreements in place with provisional energy regulators. 

Read Our Comment Letter on ECCC’s Regulatory Framework

Alberta Energy Regulator’s Alt-FEMP Program

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is the regulatory agency for the Canadian province of Alberta that oversees the development and management of energy activities in the province. Its directives currently require operators to scan for fugitive methane emissions three times per year using optical gas imaging (OGI) or organic vapor analyzers (OVAs). However, the AER also oversees an Alternative Fugitive Emission Management Program (Alt-FEMP) that allows operators to use advanced methane-detecting technology instead of the default OGI or OVA approaches.

Alt-FEMP Q&A

Alternative Fugitive Emission Management Program Approvals

To learn more about how Gas Mapping LiDAR can help your company meet state, provincial, or federal regulations, reach out now.