U.S. Election 2024: Implications for Methane and Emissions Regulations Under a Republican Trifecta
Author: Ben Montgomery, Gretchen Kern
TL;DR
Anticipated Regulatory Shift: With the election of Donald Trump as President and Republican control of the executive and legislative branches, the EPA is expected to adopt a more industry-flexible approach to methane regulations, potentially revising key programs like the Super Emitter Program and the No Identifiable Emissions (NIE) standard.
Qube’s Compliance-Ready Solutions: Qube Technologies remains proactive in supporting EPA compliance, offering continuous monitoring solutions with advanced tracking features. Qube has also applied to have its technology recognized as an alternative for NSPS OOOOb/EG OOOOc standards, positioning clients for seamless adaptation to changing requirements.
Importance of Monitoring Amid Global Standards: Despite potential U.S. policy changes, global frameworks like OGMP 2.0 and the EU Methane Regulation underscore the need for precise methane monitoring, as environmental performance increasingly influences shareholder decisions and industry transparency expectations.
On November 5, Donald Trump was elected the 47th President of the United States, signaling a likely shift toward a more industry-friendly regulatory environment. With the Republican Party in control of all three branches of government, we anticipate changes in the EPA’s approach to methane emissions regulations, potentially shifting toward greater industry flexibility. Key issues outlined in industry’s Petitions for Reconsideration, are expected to receive more time, attention and consideration. These include the Super Emitter Program (NSPS OOOOb, EG OOOOc), No Identifiable Emissions (NIE) standard for covers and closed vent systems, and Other Large Release Events (“OLRE”; Subpart W) (Fig. 1). While significant regulatory revisions to methane rules may not happen quickly, a new administration presents a valuable opportunity to address ongoing petitions.
Figure 1. US methane emissions regulations overseen by EPA, Congress and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Qube Technologies submitted an application on July 25, 2024, for its continuous monitoring solution to be accepted as an alternative technology for NSPS OOOOb/ EG OOOOc. In the meantime, Qube’s dashboard supports EPA compliance through features such as 7-day and 90-day rolling averages for continuous monitoring, ensuring robust tracking and reporting capabilities that align with EPA requirements. Qube remains actively engaged in regulatory developments across the industry, ensuring our solutions meet evolving standards and equipping our clients to adapt seamlessly to changing compliance requirements.
Regardless of shifts in federal oversight, the need for precise and reliable methane emissions monitoring remains crucial. Global standards—like the UN’s Oil & Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0) framework, the EU’s Methane Regulation, and the IEA’s Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MMRV) Framework — continue to drive demand for transparency and environmental responsibility. Furthermore, customer feedback consistently highlights that environmental performance is a top priority for shareholders, often taking precedence over regulatory compliance alone in investment decisions. As a result, Qube’s continuous monitoring solution, featuring intuitive, compliance-focused dashboards, remains essential for operators committed to achieving both domestic and international environmental goals.
As the U.S. moves into a new administration, regulatory shifts can happen fast – don’t let your company be caught off guard. Follow Qube to stay informed on the latest developments in methane regulations and how they impact your business. Stay a step ahead with insights from industry experts, and contact Qube Technologies today to discover how our accurate, real-time monitoring solutions can elevate your emissions management strategy.
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