Obama administration announces new regulations for methane emissions from oil and gas
13.7.2016
Question for written answer P-005712-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Carolina Punset (ALDE)
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in May 2016, for the very first time, a set of new rules for regulating methane emissions from the oil and gas industry.
The new rules targeting emissions from new or modified oil and gas wells will help combat climate change and reduce air pollution, with plans to expand the regulation to existing rigs as well.
The Obama administration has signalled plans for a sharp cut in industrial methane emissions, seeking reductions as high as 45% below 2012 levels by the year 2025.
This decision follows a major upward revision by EPA of methane emissions from natural gas and petroleum systems across the US.
In light of the above, I ask the Commission the following:
- 1.What are the current methane emissions from oil and gas in the EU, and how are these calculated?
- 2.While the energy mix is a Member State competence, what is the current regulatory framework for methane emissions in the EU given that methane emissions have a global effect?
- 3.Does it think that a sustainability certification system could help minimise fugitive methane emissions from oil and gas?