Biden Administration Finalizes Methane Rules, Issues Regulatory Agenda That Takes Aim At Energy Supply

The Biden administration released an updated regulatory agenda in early December that outlines the White House’s plans for new regulations for pipelines, energy efficiency, oil drilling on public lands, and other energy issues. Specifically, according to E&E News, federal “agencies plan to push a handful of regulations across the finish line next year, from a previously proposed rule that would reshape drilling in the western Arctic to stiffer rules limiting venting and flaring of natural gas on public lands.”

Additionally, “two of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) most high-profile proposed transmission rules are listed on the agenda as ‘next action undetermined’ for October 2024.” Those rules would:

• Change how large electric power lines are planned and paid for; and
• Create a new process for transmission developers to seek permits from FERC for certain projects if those projects cannot get approval from state regulators.

The administration also is planning to put forward a slate of new proposals, including an updated standard for judging “fitness to operate” for offshore oil companies. That draft rule is expected to be released in the fall of 2024.

According to the National Association of Manufacturers, the flurry of planned regulations would likely further entangle manufacturers in red tape, increasing costs and reducing efficiency.

Read the full regulatory agenda here.

In related news: As The Hill reported, the Biden administration has issued a final regulation that would reduce methane emissions created in the fossil fuel sector. The rule places more of the burden on individual companies to control these emissions. Specifically, the EPA rule would deliver methane emissions cuts through policies aimed at limiting leaks, such as requiring monitoring and repairs.

The final rule also adds a requirement for new wells — to phase out the routine burning off of excess gas that is extracted alongside oil. The practice, known as flaring, occurs when companies opt to burn off gas that comes alongside oil production instead of capturing it for use.

Read more here.