EPA proposes scrapping its oil-and-gas Super Emitter Program
Published Date: 10/29/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is updating rules for oil and natural gas companies to fix issues from last year’s changes. They’re scrapping the Super Emitter Program, splitting well sites into clearer groups, and tweaking rules on leaks, equipment, and inspections. Companies should get ready to comment by December 16, 2026, as these updates could affect how they manage emissions and operate equipment.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Super Emitter Program Rescinded
The EPA proposes to rescind the Super Emitter Program in NSPS OOOO, OOOOa, OOOOb, and EG OOOOc. If finalized, owners and operators that would have been subject to that program would no longer face the specific Super Emitter Program requirements described in the March 2024 Final Rule.
New Well Site Subcategories Proposed
The EPA proposes adding new well-site subcategories and is co-proposing two alternative approaches: (1) marginal vs. non-marginal well sites with reduced requirements for marginal wells, and (2) conventional vs. non-conventional wells with reduced requirements for conventional wells. The Agency also solicits comment on further subcategorization of marginal wells by production levels.
Change in BSER for Associated Gas at Oil Wells
The EPA proposes that routing associated gas from wells producing primarily oil to a sales line is not an appropriate best system of emission reduction (BSER). Instead, the Agency proposes that routing associated gas to a control device or a flare that achieves 95% reductions or greater should be the BSER.
Revisions to Equipment-Specific Requirements
The EPA proposes changes to requirements related to liquids unloading, process controllers, pumps, fugitive emissions, storage vessels, covers and closed vent systems (CVS), and equipment leaks at gas plants. These changes are proposed to address issues raised in petitions and to clarify or adjust the March 2024 requirements.
Changes to Control Device Requirements
The EPA proposes revisions to requirements related to control devices, including continuous burning pilot flames, flame monitoring data deviations, control device alerts, visible emissions test conditions for fugitive emissions, use of control devices on a temporary or backup basis, temporary process controllers, and control device categories.
Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) Surveys Allowed per Appendix K
The EPA proposes to allow owners and operators to conduct optical gas imaging (OGI) surveys according to Appendix K for NSPS OOOO, OOOOa, and KKK at gas processing facilities. This provides an Appendix K OGI option for gas processing facilities subject to those NSPS.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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