The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will conduct a series of stakeholder meetings to gather informal comments on rulemaking and the state plan for existing crude oil and natural gas facilities.

According to an October 7 press release issued by TCEQ, the proposed rulemaking aims to introduce a new Division 7 to Chapter 113, Subchapter D. This initiative seeks to implement the requirements of 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 60, Subpart OOOOc. The regulations address applicability, emission standards, monitoring, recordkeeping, testing, and reporting requirements for designated oil and gas facilities. Existing facilities in this sector would need to comply with emission standards or control requirements for greenhouse gases emissions, primarily methane.

The TCEQ is seeking input on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed model rule, particularly focusing on the Remaining Useful Life and Other Factors (RULOF) provisions. These meetings provide the community with an opportunity to learn more about the proposed new rule and state plan from TCEQ staff and offer feedback before formal rulemaking begins.

However, the state agency will not formally respond to any informal comments; staff will review and consider them. A formal public hearing and comment period will be scheduled after the stakeholder meetings. These meetings are set for November 6 from 10 a.m. to noon at the TCEQ offices in Austin, November 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Arlington City Council Chambers, and November 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at a location yet to be determined in Midland.

For further information on the proposed rulemaking, interested parties can contact David Munzenmaier via email at david.munzenmaier@tceq.texas.gov or by phone at (512) 239-6092, referencing rule project number 2024-027-113-AI.