Environmental protection: air pollution; methane from oil or gas wells; require control or capture of. Amends 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.101 - 324.90106) by adding sec. 61506e.
Impact
The implementation of SB0966 is expected to significantly influence state laws regarding environmental standards, particularly for the oil and gas sector. By enforcing strict emission reduction targets, the bill aims to contribute to better air quality and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Compliance will require operators to adopt new technologies or practices, thereby encouraging innovation within the industry. The bill also sets a precedent for future legislative measures aimed at mitigating environmental impacts from fossil fuel extraction processes.
Summary
Senate Bill 0966 aims to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by introducing specific requirements for the reduction of fugitive methane and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from oil and gas wells. The bill mandates that operators must achieve at least a 95% reduction in these emissions through various methods, such as routing captured gas to a sales line or reinjecting it into a well. This legislation is part of ongoing efforts to enhance environmental protection and combat air pollution associated with the fossil fuel industry.
Contention
While the bill has gained support from environmental advocates and public health officials, it has faced criticism from some industry stakeholders who argue that the strict requirements may impose financial burdens and affect operational feasibility. Moreover, concerns have been raised about the technical feasibility of achieving the mandated reductions in certain oil and gas operations. Operators could face substantial penalties for non-compliance, including fines and permit revocations, which raises questions on the balance between environmental goals and economic viability.
Environmental protection: air pollution; methane and VOCs from oil or gas wells; require control or capture of. Amends 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.101 - 324.90106) by adding sec. 61506e.
Environmental protection: air pollution; regulation of carbon sequestration; provide for. Amends secs. 502 & 1301 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.502 & 324.1301); adds sec. 52509 & subch. 6, ch. 3 of art. III. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0394'25, SB 0395'25
Environmental protection: air pollution; regulation of carbon sequestration; provide for. Amends sec. 1301 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.1301) & adds subch. 6 to ch. 3, art. III. TIE BAR WITH: SB 1132'24, SB 1133'24
Environmental protection: other; general amendments to fees in the natural resources and environmental protection act; modify. Amends secs. 3122, 4112, 5522, 11525a, 17303, 17317, 80130, 80315, 81114 & 82156 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.3122 et seq.).
Environmental protection: water pollution; application requirements for new or increased discharge permit under NREPA; modify. Amends sec. 3112 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.3112).
Environmental protection: water pollution; application requirements for new or increased discharge permit under NREPA; modify. Amends sec. 3112 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.3112).
Environmental protection: pollution prevention; financial assurance for any facility required to file a pollution incident prevention plan; require. Amends secs. 3101, 3103 & 3115 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.3101 et seq.) & adds sec. 3106c.
Environmental protection: pollution prevention; financial assurance for any facility required to file a pollution incident prevention plan; require. Amends secs. 3101, 3103 & 3115 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.3101 et seq.) & adds sec. 3106c.