Wyoming Air Board Approves Plan to Cut Oil, Gas Pollution

(PINEDALE, Wyoming—Dec. 10, 2014) The Wyoming Air Quality Advisory Board today approved measures that would reduce smog and improve air quality in the state’s Upper Green River Basin ozone nonattainment area. The proposal, if passed by the Wyoming Environmental Quality Council next year, will require oil and gas operators to adopt sensible, cost effective measures such as regular leak detection inspections on existing well sites and compressor stations to reduce regional air pollution.

“These new rules are a significant step toward reducing leaks from oil and gas equipment and helping restore healthy air to the citizens of Pinedale and surrounding communities. This marks the first time the state has moved forward on rules that target older, existing sources of oil and gas pollution — a strong precedent as other parts of Wyoming and the country grapple with the impacts of oil and gas drilling on healthy air. 

“While we believe there is room to improve this proposal as it moves to the EQC, we strongly support the AQAB’s approval of these measures. Many aspects of the proposal again demonstrate Wyoming’s tradition of national leadership on clean air measures for oil and gas activities.”

• Jon Goldstein, Senior Energy Policy Manger