EPA Proposes Major Revisions to Methane Rules
On October 27, 2026, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a sweeping proposal to reconsider its 2024 methane regulations governing oil and natural gas operations. The proposed changes to NSPS OOOOb and Emission Guidelines OOOOc are intended to reduce compliance costs and regulatory burdens, particularly for independent oil and gas producers. EPA estimates the revisions could generate approximately $45 billion in industry savings while encouraging increased domestic oil and natural gas production.
The proposal addresses numerous industry concerns regarding equipment requirements, compliance obligations, and implementation timelines. For New Mexico, the changes could provide significant relief to producers operating in the Permian and San Juan Basins, particularly smaller operators facing expensive equipment upgrades and methane monitoring requirements. Importantly, this remains a proposed rule, and existing regulatory requirements continue to apply unless separately amended or delayed.
EPA has scheduled a virtual public hearing for November 16, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Participants may observe or provide testimony, although the November 10 registration deadline has passed. Additional information is available through the Official EPA Public Hearing Registration page.
The deadline for submitting public comments is December 16, 2026. IPANM encourages members to review the proposed revisions and submit comments, particularly regarding the financial and operational impacts on independent and small oil and natural gas producers. Comments can be submitted through Regulations.gov, Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0163. Additional information, including the proposed rule, supporting fact sheets, and hearing details, is available on EPA’s official website.
Additionally, the National Stripper Well Association has developed an OOOOb/c Compliance Tool to help operators better understand the current requirements and EPA’s proposed revisions. Members are encouraged to review this resource as they evaluate potential impacts on their operations.
