Request for Information  -  Methane Emissions Reduction Program 

DOCKET 3: Methane Emissions Reduction Program [60113] 
EPA received $1.55 billion to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by providing financial assistance (grants, rebates, contracts, loans, and other activities) and technical assistance as well as implementing a statutorily required waste emissions charge. Eligible recipients for these funds include but are not limited to air pollution control agencies, other public or nonprofit private agencies, institutions, and organizations, and individuals. The program specifies that at least $700 million must be used for activities at marginal conventional wells. Section 60113 also requires EPA to implement a waste emission charge on methane emitted from applicable oil and gas facilities that emit over 25,000 metric tons of CO2e and that exceed statutorily specified waste emissions thresholds beginning in 2024. The waste emissions charge will start at $900 and increase to $1,500 per metric ton.  
 
QUESTIONS:

Incentives Program 
          The Methane Emissions and Waste Reduction Incentive Program provides up to $1.55 billion to EPA to issue grants, rebates, contracts, loans, and other activities for a number of statutorily specified purposes.  How can EPA structure the financial and technical assistance to ensure the greatest possible public health and environmental impact? 
          How can EPA ensure that the financial and technical assistance provided under the Methane Emissions and Waste Reduction Incentive Program complements rather than duplicates other federal and state programs, including funding through other IRA programs? 
          The Methane Emissions and Waste Reduction Incentive Program can provide technical assistance to owners and operators of facilities.  What kinds of technical assistance would be most valuable?  How might technical assistance evolve over time?  
          The Methane Emissions and Waste Reduction Incentive Program has funding that is allocated for marginal conventional wells.  For the purposes of financial and technical assistance specified in the IRA, are there unique considerations related to marginal conventional wells that EPA should consider?  How can EPA ensure that relevant stakeholders are engaged, including owners and operators of marginal conventional wells and those affected by marginal wells and their emissions? 
          What should EPA consider in the design of the program to encourage grantees to support high quality jobs and adhere to best practices for labor standards, consistent with guidance such as Executive Order 14063 on the Use of Project Labor Agreements and the Department of Labor's Good Jobs Principles? 
          What metrics should this program use for measuring success and ensuring accountability? 
         
Waste Emissions Charge 
          The IRA establishes a waste emissions charge for methane from applicable facilities that report more than 25,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year to the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) petroleum and natural gas systems source category (GHGRP Subpart W) and that exceed statutorily specified waste emissions thresholds.  The IRA specifies certain exemptions and flexibilities related to the charge.  What issues should EPA consider related to waste emissions charge implementation? 
          The IRA requires EPA to revise the requirements of GHGRP Subpart W to ensure that reporting is based on empirical data and accurately reflects total methane emissions.  What revisions should EPA consider related to GHGRP Subpart W?   

      Responses must be received by 11:59 PM ET on January 18, 2023 :: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0875, to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov.

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