The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule to extend compliance deadlines for the oil and gas industry, which were initially set during the Biden-Harris Administration. This decision is part of an effort by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to provide more realistic timelines for the sector, aiming to enhance domestic energy production.
The final rule, stemming from an Interim Final Rule (IFR) issued in July 2025, impacts numerous oil and gas sources nationwide and is expected to save approximately $750 million over 11 years in compliance costs. "The previous administration used oil and gas standards as a weapon to shut down development and manufacturing in the United States," said Zeldin. He emphasized that this move ensures that regulations do not hinder America's energy potential.
Key elements of the IFR include extending deadlines related to control devices, equipment leaks, storage vessels, process controllers, and closed vent systems by 18 months. Additionally, states have been given more time to develop plans for reducing methane emissions from existing sources and implementing a "super emitter" program using remote-sensing technology.
Following public feedback on the IFR, the EPA has also extended deadlines for net heating value continuous monitoring requirements and alternative performance tests by 180 days due to supply chain and personnel constraints. The IFR had previously extended these deadlines by 120 days.
To ensure clarity in reporting requirements, owners and operators now have 360 days from the effective date of this final action to submit annual NSPS OOOOb reports originally due before this deadline. Subsequent reports are required within 90 days after each annual compliance period ends.
This final action includes responses to public comments received on the IFR as well as testimonies from a public hearing. For further details on the final rule and related materials, visit the EPA's website dedicated to oil and natural gas rules.
On March 8, 2024, under sections 111(b) and 111(d) of the Clean Air Act (CAA), new source performance standards (NSPS) and emissions guidelines were announced by the Biden-Harris EPA for oil and natural gas operations. In March 2025, Administrator Zeldin indicated a reconsideration of these regulations to promote energy dominance while maintaining environmental protection commitments.
Information from this article can be found here.
