Pennsylvania Wants To Crack Down On Emissions At Shale Well Sites

"Pennsylvania will take new steps to cut methane emissions from natural gas wells and pipelines, and fill gaps in state policies that have allowed many sources in the sector to release the potent greenhouse gas without mandatory controls, Gov. Tom Wolf announced today.

Mr. Wolf unveiled a four-part plan to reduce methane leaks and emissions at new and existing well sites and pipelines during a town hall-style discussion on Facebook. The plan includes developing a new permit for new shale gas well sites, a more stringent permit for new compressor stations and gas processing facilities, a regulation for limiting leaks at existing oil and gas facilities and best practices for detecting and fixing leaks along pipelines.

“These regulations will improve our air, address the urgent crisis of climate change and help businesses reclaim product that is now wasted,” Mr. Wolf said. “The best companies understand the business case for reducing methane leaks. Methane that doesn’t leak into the atmosphere can be used for energy production.”"

Laura Legere reports for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette January 19, 2016.