Isra-Mart srl: EPA proposes crackdown on fracking air pollution

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The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled plans to crackdown on air pollution from controversial "fracking" projects, having previously angered green groups by delaying new regulations to tackle smog.

The agency yesterday set out proposals designed to tackle air pollution from oil and gas wells and, in particular, hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" projects, which have been accused of contributing to water and air pollution.

The proposed standards, which were issued by the EPA in response to a court order, would require oil and gas well operators to meet new standards for a range of pollutants.

In particular, they would be required to cut emissions of smog-forming volatile organic compounds (VOC) from a variety of processes, with fracking projects required to reduce VOC emissions by 95 per cent.

The EPA said this steep reduction would have to be achieved by capturing natural gas that currently escapes into the air and making that gas available for sale.

"This administration has been clear that natural gas is a key component of our clean energy future and the steps announced today will help ensure responsible production of this domestic energy source," said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation, in a statement. "Reducing these emissions will help cut toxic pollution that can increase cancer risks and smog that can cause asthma attacks and premature death – all while giving these operators additional product to bring to market."

The agency said that capturing VOC emissions would have the added benefit of reducing methane emissions from fracking projects, which, according to some scientists, have undermined industry claims that fracking represents a cleaner alternative to other forms of fossil fuels.

It added that new standards for storage tanks, transmission pipelines and other equipment would help cut emissions of methane and cancer-causing air pollution by up to a quarter.

The move is likely to face fresh criticism from industry groups and Republicans who have accused the EPA of imposing too many costly regulations on the energy industry.

However, the EPA stressed that an analysis of the new standards show that the technologies required to capture emissions are highly cost effective and would deliver net savings to the industry of tens of millions of dollars annually from the value of natural gas that would no longer escape to the air.

In related news, Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee wrote to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson requesting she attend a hearing next month on the agency's recently delayed smog standards.

The letter again underscored Republican efforts to scupper the proposed standards altogether, warning Jackson that the hearing would form part of a series targetting the new rules.

"Given the potentially devastating impacts of your proposed new standards on the US economy and jobs and the vast array of new regulatory and control requirements that will be triggered for States, localities and businesses across the nation, the Committee will conduct hearings relating to the proposed ozone standards after the August congressional work period," the letter stated.