December 12, 2022

Conventional VOC Regulations - Update

The following articles (listed below) explain how we got to where we are now, with the Governor certifying that an “emergency” as defined under the Regulatory Review Act required finalizing the VOC regulation applicable only to emissions concerning conventional oil and gas wells and well sites prior to review by IRRC and the legislative committees and publication in the PA Bulletin. This rarely used process is based on Pennsylvania’s losing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal highway funding if this regulation is not submitted to EPA by December 16, 2022. But as explained in listed articles (below) it appears that these funds will be withheld rather than lost, which would cast considerable doubt on the validity of the Governor’s emergency certification.

On December 5, 2022, PIOGA, PGCC and PIPP filed the second lawsuit challenging the lawfulness of the process of finalizing the Conventional VOC Regulation. The lawsuit filed by the three trade associations representing conventional producers seeks an expeditious decision from Commonwealth Court rather than an injunction because we believe that is the most effective way to force DEP to comply with Act 52 and engage with our industry to establish reasonable and cost-effective measures to control VOC emissions from conventional wells sites.

PIOGA's Environmental Committee meeting on December 14th will include discussions of issues concerning compliance with this regulation that became effective on December 2nd, including the record keeping and reporting requirements concerning storage vessels and LDAR inspections.

Articles:

Panel OKs — again — oil and gas rules, saving highway funding (Paul J. Gough – Pittsburgh Business Times)

Full Article: Environmental Quality Board approves oil and gas measure again - Pittsburgh Business Times (bizjournals.com)

PA DEP Decrees Onerous VOC Reg for Conventional O&G in Effect Now (Jim Willis - Marcellus Drilling News)

Full Article: PA Conventional Industry Responds to “Emergency” VOC Regs | Marcellus Drilling News

3 Groups Sue PA DEP, EQB to Block New VOC Conventional Regulation (Jim Willis - Marcellus Drilling News)

Full Article: 3 Groups Sue PA DEP, EQB to Block New VOC Conventional Regulation | Marcellus Drilling News

Industry lawsuit - Conventional VOC Regulation Lawsuit - Petition for Review

Full PDF: Petition for Review - VOC Lawsuit.pdf (pioga.org)

For more information and updates on the VOC Regulations and PIOGA's lawsuit check out PIOGA's website and the December PIOGA Press.

Why Switzerland wants to ban electric vehicles

Switzerland is reportedly planning to ban electric vehicles in the country. According to a report, officials in the country have drafted a proposal that would restrict power usage to prevent blackouts and power cuts.

If this happens, Switzerland will become the first country to do so.

To read more:

Switzerland ev ban: Why Switzerland wants to ban electric vehicles - The Economic Times (indiatimes.com)

Switzerland could ban electric vehicle use during energy crisis: reports (msn.com)

PIOGA Reminder: December Events

On Thursday, December 15th, PIOGA will be holding the Air Quality Compliance Seminar and the annual Mix, Mingle & Jingle Holiday event at The Chadwick in Wexford.

The PIOGATech Air Quality Compliance Training will include:

Overview of Air Issues Affecting the Oil & Gas Industry
Incident Response and Air monitoring considerations
How Effective is My LDAR Program
EPA's Proposed methane Supplement: What's New, Different & Significant?
CleanAir Engineering Demo – HANDS-ON LIVE DEMONSTRATION
Financial Impacts of the IRA
Advancements in methane detection, localizations and quantification using continuous methane monitoring solutions
BTEX Reduction and Elimination

Mix, Mingle & Jingle Networking Event - Tis' the season to get your mingle and jingle on! The holiday party will begin immediately following our PIOGATech Air Quality Compliance seminar.

In addition to the great food, beverages and company, the following smaller events will also be available during this festive occasion:

Food donations will be accepted on behalf of the North Hills Food Bank. It's the season of giving, so please bring what you can and receive an extra drink ticket for your donation.

Buy tickets for a chance to win one of the many great prizes in the Basket Auction! All proceeds collected will be donated to the Dollar Energy Fund that helps households experiencing hardships by providing utility assistance and other services that lead to self-sufficiency.

If you have not registered yet for the Mix, Mingle & Jingle - reach out to Debbie Oyler (debbie@pioga.org) or register at the event!

More News

PIOGA's Market Development Committee Elevator Speech Challenge

PIOGA's Market Development Committee is challenging members of the committee to create and present their own elevator speech!

Over the next couple of months, members of the committee will have time at each meeting to present their elevator speeches. Each person who presents a 30-second speech will get a gift.

At each monthly meeting, 2-3 volunteers will be allowed time to present. The challenge is only for those present at the meeting!

To join the Market Development Committee, please contact Deana McMahan at deana@pioga.org

Enhanced opportunity for PIOGA advertising.

For several years, PIOGA has partnered successfully with Multiview to manage advertising opportunities on our website. Now, we have broadened that relationship to include advertising in the PIOGA eWeekly, the electronic newsletter that all member company contacts (more than 900 individuals) receive every Monday. We are expanding the sizes of and number of advertising positions in the eWeekly, giving companies enhanced advertising opportunities. If you are interested in learning more about putting Multiview’s experience to work by advertising in the eWeekly or at pioga.org, please reach out to Multiview at pioga@multiview.com or 972‐402‐7023.