The Biden administration on April 20 said it had agreed on separate settlements worth about $25 million in total with three natural gas processors to reduce air pollution across 12 states, including in communities disproportionately hit by health-harming emissions.
The settlements announced by the Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency require three companies - Williams Companies Inc, MPLX LP and WES DJ Gathering LLC - to pay a combined $9.25 million in civil penalties and make about $16 million in improvements at plants and compressor stations.
MPLX has agreed to enhancements in its operations at facilities in Utah, North Dakota, and Wyoming, said company spokesperson Jamal Kheiry, adding that many of the measures "exceed existing regulatory requirements."
The other companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The settlements addressed allegations that the companies violated federal and state clean air laws related to leak detection and repair requirements for natural gas processing plants at facilities that they own and operate.
The facilities emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides, hazardous air pollutants and greenhouse gases, DOJ said. VOCs contribute to smog, which worsens asthma and can make people vulnerable to illnesses such as pneumonia
The combined settlements will cut smog-producing air pollution by around 953 tons a year and greenhouse gases by 50,633 tons a year of carbon dioxide equivalent, DOJ said.
"Today’s announcement highlights this administration’s commitment to reduce harmful air pollution – including emissions that exacerbate climate change – and provide environmental justice for those disproportionately impacted,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim.
Under the settlements, the companies will spend about $16 million combined to minimize emissions. These commitments include installing equipment with fewer leaks, conducting audits and repairing leaks more quickly, the DOJ said.
The companies will improve training for leak detection and repair and have agreed to use optical gas imaging technology to improve the visual detection of leaks and quickly repair them.
Other states where the plants are include Colorado, West Virginia and Ohio.
Recommended Reading
Trio Reaches Initial Agreement to Purchase Uinta Tar Sands Acreage
2025-05-20 - Trio Petroleum and seller Heavy Sweet Oil LLC have agreed on a letter of intent for a cash-and-stock deal in the P.R. Spring tar sands area of the Uinta Basin.
On the Market This Week (May 5, 2025)
2025-05-09 - Here is a roundup of marketed oil and gas leaseholds in the Permian, Williston and Appalachian basins and the Bakken, Haynesville and Eagle Ford shales.
Boaz Energy Completes Sale of PermRock Properties to T2S
2025-04-01 - Boaz Energy II has completed the sale of PermRock Royalty Trust’s underlying oil and gas properties to T2S Permian Acquisition II LLC.
US Energy M&A Shifts Gassier into Appalachia, Midcon as Oil Slips
2025-05-12 - U.S. upstream M&A activity reached $2.3 billion in April, defying a sharp 12% collapse in oil prices. Natural gas-driven deals led the way, including EQT’s $1.8 billion Olympus Energy acquisition.
FTC May Reconsider Hess, Sheffield Bans on Holding Board Seats
2025-04-13 - The Federal Trade Commission has announced it is seeking comment on potentially rescinding bans on Pioneer Natural Resources’ Scott Sheffield and Hess Corp.’s John Hess from serving on the boards of companies that acquired their E&Ps.
Comments
Add new comment
This conversation is moderated according to Hart Energy community rules. Please read the rules before joining the discussion. If you’re experiencing any technical problems, please contact our customer care team.