Natural Gas STAR Program
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The Natural Gas STAR Program is a federal program that, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, "encourages oil and natural gas companies to adopt proven, cost-effective technologies and practices that improve operational efficiency and reduce methane emissions." Participation by oil and natural gas companies is voluntary. The program was established in 1993 and is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency.[1]
History
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Natural Gas STAR Program in 1993. In 2006, the EPA established Natural Gas STAR International, an international partnership program modeled after the domestic program.[2]
Structure
Mission
The mission of the Natural Gas STAR Program is as follows:[3]
| “ | Natural Gas STAR is a flexible, voluntary partnership that encourages oil and natural gas companies -- both domestically and abroad -- to adopt proven, cost-effective technologies and practices that improve operational efficiency and reduce methane emissions.[4] | ” |
| —Natural Gas STAR Program | ||
Program requirements
Program participants must meet the following requirements:[3]
- "Sign a one-page memorandum of understanding:" To begin a partnership with the EPA, a company is required to sign and submit a memorandum of understanding that "demonstrates the company's commitment to the program, and identifies company points of contact."
- "Develop an implementation plan:" Within six to 12 months of joining the program, a company must develop a program implementation plan to "facilitate development of a strategy for how partners will identify non-regulatory methane emission reduction activities they are undertaking, plan new activities, and develop mechanisms for tracking methane emission reduction data and activities."
- "Execute the program:" Participating oil and natural gas companies must carry out the programs found in their implementation plans.
- "Submit an annual progress report:" After a company has participated in the program for a full calendar year, the company must begin submitting annual reports "documenting the previous year's emissions reduction activities and corresponding methane emissions reductions."
Program resources
The program includes the following resources for participants:[3]
- "Information sharing and technology transfer:" The EPA conducts Technology Transfer and Annual Implementation Workshops and publishes studies, technical reports, and newsletters "to help partners learn about new and innovative technologies and practices."
- "Technical guidance:" The EPA oversees publications, workshops and administrative support to assist participating companies.
- "Peer networking:" The EPA operates web-based communication platforms to foster communication between participating companies and to exchange information.
- "Voluntary record of reductions:" Companies can create records of their methane emissions reductions while the EPA provides feedback to participating companies.
Key staff
The table below lists program managers as of May 2014.[5]
| Program staff, May 2014 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Position | Telephone number | Email address |
| Jerome Blackman | Program Manager (U.S.) | (202) 343-9630 | blackman.jerome@epa.gov |
| Scott Bartos | Program Manager (International) | (202) 343-9167 | bartos.scott@epa.gov |
| Carey Bylin | Program Manager (International) | (202) 343-9669 | bylin.carey@epa.gov |
| Roger Fernandez | Program Manager (U.S. and international) | (202) 343-9386 | fernandez.roger@epa.gov |
| Suzie Waltzer | Program Manager (U.S.) | (202) 343-9544 | waltzer.suzanne@epa.gov |
| Source: U.S .Environmental Protection Agency, "EPA Natural Gas STAR Program Managers and STAR Service Representatives," accessed August 28, 2014 | |||
Program participants
As of August 2014, 126 companies participated in the Natural Gas STAR Program. A full listing of program participants can be accessed here. As of October 2011, the program had the following endorsers:[6]
| Program endorsers, October 2011 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Organization | Year endorsement began | ||
| The Air and Waste Management Association (A&WMA) | 2005 | ||
| American Exploration and Production Council | 1993 | ||
| American Gas Association (AGA) | 1993 | ||
| American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Institute for Sustainability | 2005 | ||
| American Petroleum Institute (API) | 1994 | ||
| Colorado Oil and Gas Association (COGA) | 2005 | ||
| Gas Processors Association (GPA) | 1993 | ||
| Gulf Coast Environmental Affairs Group (GCEAG) | 2004 | ||
| Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) | 2005 | ||
| Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) | 1996 | ||
| Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) | 2005 | ||
| Montana Petroleum Association (MPA) | 2008 | ||
| Natural Gas Supply Association (NGSA) | 1995 | ||
| New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) | 1997 | ||
| Northeast Gas Association (NGA) | 2005 | ||
| Petroleum Association of Wyoming (PAW) | 2005 | ||
| Petroleum Technology Transfer Council | 2005 | ||
| Southern Gas Association (SGA) | 1998 | ||
| Texas Alliance of Energy Producers | 2005 | ||
| Western Energy Alliance | 2004 | ||
| Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Natural Gas STAR Program - Endorsers," accessed August 28, 2014 | |||
Recent news
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Natural Gas STAR Program. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Basic Information," accessed August 28, 2014
- ↑ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Frequent Questions," accessed August 28, 2014
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Natural Gas STAR Program Fact Sheet," October 2011
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ U.S .Environmental Protection Agency, "EPA Natural Gas STAR Program Managers and STAR Service Representatives," accessed August 28, 2014
- ↑ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Natural Gas STAR Program - Endorsers," accessed August 28, 2014
