Q439. How does this final rule relate to EPA's Natural Gas STAR program?

A439. Since 1993, through the Natural Gas STAR Program, the U.S. EPA has been partnering with petroleum and natural gas companies to advance the adoption of cost-effective technologies and practices that improve operational efficiency and reduce emissions of methane, a potent GHG and clean energy source. The GHG reporting rule for petroleum and natural gas systems will complement industry efforts to reduce methane emissions through the Natural Gas STAR Program.

The data submitted under the GHG reporting rule will provide important information on the location and magnitude of GHG emissions from petroleum and natural gas systems which will allow petroleum and natural gas facilities to better track their own emissions. While this is not an emission reduction rule, the information collected under this reporting rule could be used to aid companies in further identifying cost effective opportunities to reduce emissions in the future.