The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is seeking public input on new rules to limit methane emissions from the oil and gas industry. These rules will align Texas with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) updated guidelines to reduce harmful emissions from existing facilities.
For existing sources (built before December 6, 2022), the EPA issued "emission guidelines" for states to use in developing state plans to control pollution. These plans must meet or be no less stringent than EPA's guidelines and are subject to EPA review and approval. The model rule, outlined in 40 CFR §§60.5385c–60.5430c, is part of these guidelines. States may adopt the model rule in their plans, and the EPA has indicated it would likely approve plans incorporating its provisions. Separately, new NSPS (New Source Performance Standards) for new wells have already taken effect.
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is released in large quantities by the oil and gas industry, alongside dangerous pollutants like benzene and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These emissions harm our air quality, threaten public health, and fuel climate change. With Texas leading the nation in methane emissions, strong regulations are essential to protecting our communities and environment.
Why Your Voice Matters
Your input is crucial to ensure that TCEQ adopts strong standards that:
- Protect the nearly 5.3 million Texans living near oil and gas facilities.
- Limit routine venting and flaring that wastes resources and pollutes our air.
- Hold all facilities, including low-producing wells, to robust emission-reduction standards.
This is our chance to advocate for cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more sustainable future for Texas. These rules will also produce jobs in monitoring and mitigating emissions, leading to a stronger economy. Public comments will shape the final state plan, which will have lasting impacts on our health and environment.
How to Take Action
Submit your comments online by December 31, 2024, by mail, fax, or through the TCEQ’s Public Comment Portal. Be sure to reference rule project number 2024-027-113-AI.
From TCEQ: All comments should reference proposed rule project number 2024-027-113-AI. TCEQ will review all comments they receive but will not formally respond. All written stakeholder comments must be submitted by December 31, 2024. Written stakeholder comments may be submitted using one of the following methods:
By fax: fax4808@tceq.texas.gov
Online: TCEQ Public Comment System
By mail: Program Supervisor, MC 205
Texas Register/Rule Development Team - Office of Legal Services
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 13087 Austin, Texas 78711-3087
Here are a few resources (and instructions on how to use them) to help you craft your comments:
- Template Letter (Download, Sign, and Date)
- Comment Guidelines and Suggestions (Read Only)
- Commenting Instructions (Read and Follow to Submit Comments)
Learn More
Visit TCEQ's Rulemaking Page for detailed information about the proposed rules and stakeholder meetings. Or - download their Stakeholder Notice.
Let’s work together to protect Texas from the harmful effects of methane pollution. Once you’ve submitted your comments, send this post to a friend so they can do it, too. Tag us on social media and let us know how it goes!