As the Biden Administration concludes, two major initiatives to reduce methane emissions - the primary component of gas - are gaining momentum. These actions aim to hold the oil and gas industry accountable while advancing climate solutions in Texas and nationwide.
Public Input Opportunity: Texas' Methane Reduction Plan
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is making plans to implement a State Action Plan for reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas industry, which is required because of the EPA’s methane rule adopted in December of 2023. You can read more about it here. As part of this plan, TCEQ held three meetings this month, including one in Austin (November 6th), one in Arlington (November 14th) and one in Midland (November 20th).
TCEQ Responds to Public Pressure with Additional December Meeting
Here’s the good news: Following public pressure and real problems with the virtual component of its first meeting, TCEQ has agreed to add an additional meeting next month to hear public input on how to put together a plan to meet the new methane standards. Here’s the information straight from TCEQ’s website. Following public concerns over accessibility during earlier meetings, TCEQ has scheduled an additional virtual meeting on December 9, 2024 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM CST. The meeting will be hosted online via TEAMS (registration required). To register, email rules@tceq.texas.gov by December 5 with your name, affiliation, email, and phone number. Participants will receive meeting details on December 6.
This is a critical chance for Texans to shape how TCEQ regulates methane emissions. The public can push for adoption of the EPA’s model rule, which prioritizes meaningful reductions in emissions from oil and gas facilities. Tip: For effective comments, review this Commenting Guide before submitting your input.
$134 Million in Federal Funding for Texas Methane Programs
As part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), TCEQ has received $134.1 million under the Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP). With this funding, TCEQ has launched the Texas Voluntary Marginal Conventional Well Plugging Program (TxMCW). This program incentivizes oil and gas operators to plug abandoned wells, which are a significant source of methane leaks. TCEQ is currently finalizing two key plans: The Well Prioritization Plan that determines which wells to prioritize for plugging, and the Methane Measurement Plan that ensures methane emission reductions are verified before and after plugging.
It is expected that once both plans are finalized in December, TCEQ will issue guidelines to operators on how to apply for funding to plug marginal wells and reduce methane emissions in Texas.
New Methane Waste Emissions Charge Now In Effect
In November, the Biden Administration finalized the Waste Emissions Charge (WEC) on waste emissions of methane from certain oil and gas facilities. The WEC applies to petroleum and natural gas facilities that:
- Emit more than 25,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year;
- Exceed statutorily specified waste emissions thresholds set by Congress,
- And that are not otherwise exempt from the charge.
The WEC starts at $900 per metric ton for 2024 reported methane emissions, increasing to $1,200 per metric ton for 2025 emissions, and $1,500 per metric ton for emissions years 2026 and later.
While this measure is crucial for addressing methane emissions, it faces significant opposition. The incoming Trump administration and oil and gas industry groups are expected to challenge the charge. The Sierra Club will work to defend the new waste emissions charge as well as current methane rules. We are not backing down in the fight to reduce emissions and fight climate change.