Overnight Regulation: EPA strengthens methane emission rules

Welcome to Overnight Regulation, your daily rundown of news from the federal agencies, Capitol Hill and beyond. It’s Thursday evening here in Washington, and we’re already excited for the weekend.

 

THE BIG STORY

The Environmental Protection Agency is moving forward with stronger methane regulations for oil and gas companies.

Oil and gas producers will be required to cut methane emissions by as much as 45 percent over the next decade — which is higher than the 28 percent target President Obama proposed last year during the Paris climate talks.

{mosads}The Hill’s Devin Henry has the story: http://bit.ly/1OpPg4T

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with more than 25 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. It’s the primary component of natural gas, and drillers warn regulations on methane will hurt an American natural gas boom that has upended the country’s energy sector. 

The EPA’s new standards are stronger than those it proposed last summer. The rule, if fully implemented, will reduce 520,000 short tons of methane in 2025, or the equivalent of 11 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. The EPA’s proposed rule would have cut up to 400,000 short tons of methane. 

The agency said it bolstered many parts of its proposal, including removing exceptions for low-producing wells, expanding leak monitoring and requiring quicker repairs for leaks.

“The common-sense steps we are rolling out today will help combat climate change and reduce air pollution that will immediately help improve public health,” EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said on Thursday. 

Drillers have warned government regulations on natural gas sites will hurt production in the United States, and have instead said they should take the lead on reducing emissions on their own. 

Natural gas producers have a financial incentive for cutting down on methane leaks: more efficient drilling means putting more product on the market. http://bit.ly/1UWs2u7

 

ON TAP FOR FRIDAY  

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will hold a hearing on incorporating social media into federal background  checks. http://1.usa.gov/1TRYB9X

 

TOMORROW’S REGS TODAY

The Obama administration will publish 206 new regulations, proposed rules, notices and other administrative actions in Friday’s edition of the Federal Register.

–The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will delay new pipeline safety regulations.

The PHMSA proposed new rules for gas transmission and gathering pipelines in April, but is now extending the comment period to give the public more time to consider the changes.

The public has until July 7 to comment. http://bit.ly/1TI3WxD

–The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will issue new conduct standards for swap dealers.

Certain swap dealers and participants will also be required to designate a chief compliance officer.

The new rules go into effect in 60 days. http://bit.ly/1R0hJy9

–The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will delay new rules for the emergency alert system.

The FCC proposed new standards for the alert system and wireless emergency alerts in March, but is now extending the comment period to give the public more time to consider the changes.

The public has until June 8 to comment. http://bit.ly/1TRNEVO

 

NEWS RIGHT NOW 

Dem calls on feds to rewrite food stamp rule http://bit.ly/1TIpU3I

FDA: Gum, toothpaste may be dangerous for dogs http://bit.ly/1si0dBt

Consumer watchdog sues payday lender http://bit.ly/1Tdo4dW

Thousands call on Olive Garden to improve food, labor policies http://bit.ly/1X4Spy1

House panel votes to delay new ozone rules http://bit.ly/1T8yjl2

Judge rules for House GOP in ObamaCare lawsuit http://bit.ly/1X4UWYV

$88B deal between Charter, Time Warner clears final regulatory hurdle http://bit.ly/1OqeEYi

White House’s Susan Rice: U.S. national security agencies are too white – The Washington Times http://bit.ly/1TF74dL

Congress’s list of gripes with TSA is long, like an airport security line – The New York Times http://nyti.ms/27hD2XN

 

BY THE NUMBERS 

130,000: How many people signed a petition asking Olive Garden to change its food and labor policies. http://bit.ly/1X4Spy1

 

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Unlike alcohol, people can outgrow marijuana, and it doesn’t ruin their lives — and yet we don’t keep people from drinking themselves to death.” — Del. Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-D.C.). The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) was joined by a handful of House Democrats on Thursday at a rally to kick off their lobbying efforts. http://bit.ly/1Nsa5lu

 

We’ll work to stay on top of these and other stories throughout the week, so check The Hill’s Regulation page (http://digital-release.thehill.com/regulation) early and often for the latest. And send any comments, complaints or regulatory news tips our way, tdevaney@digital-release.thehill.com or lwheeler@digital-release.thehill.com. And follow us at @timdevaney and @wheelerlydia.

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