API files suit against EPA's final oil and natural gas sector rule

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Aug 03, 2016, 03:04 ET

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- API filed a lawsuit Tuesday with the D.C. Circuit Court challenging the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) final oil and natural gas sector rule calling for emission standards for new, reconstructed, and modified sources. Specifically, API challenges the EPA's failure to adhere to the specific limitations provided by the Clean Air Act on the way the agency can develop regulations.

"The industry continues to lead the way on emissions reductions because it is good for the environment and good for business," said API Managing Counsel John Wagner. "Even as oil and natural gas production has risen dramatically, carbon emissions have fallen, thanks to industry leadership and investment in new technologies. Greater use of clean, affordable natural gas has pushed carbon emissions from power generation to their lowest level in more than 20 years.

"Consumers and businesses are seeing significant savings through lower energy costs largely driven by the revolution in U.S. shale energy production. The implementation of duplicative and costly regulations could discourage natural gas production, disrupt our progress reducing emissions, and increase the cost of energy for American consumers."

In addition to API, several industry groups and a coalition of 14 states have filed to sue the EPA, calling on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to assess the EPA's rule on the grounds that the agency has exceeded its statutory authority.

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API's more than 650 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation's energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 30 million Americans.

SOURCE American Petroleum Institute