NSPS Methane Regulation

NSPS refers to methane and other emission regulations issued by the U.S. EPA under the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) section of the Clean Air Act. These rules set limits and requirements for methane and VOC emissions from oil and gas facilities, and include Subparts OOOO, OOOOa, and OOOOb.

NSPS rules are central to federal methane regulations in the U.S. and form the legal foundation for many leak detection, repair, and reporting obligations across the oil and gas industry.

Why Do NSPS Methane Regulations Matter?

The NSPS framework serves as the EPA’s established approach for setting requirements on methane and other emissions in the oil and gas sector.

For operators, NSPS methane rules:

• Define which facilities are regulated and how
• Specify allowable detection technologies and monitoring frequency
• Set repair timelines for leaks based on size and severity
• Drive investment in emissions measurement and mitigation

Understanding the NSPS structure helps compliance, EHS, and legal teams apply the right standards to the right facilities, especially as state and federal expectations continue to evolve.

How Do NSPS Methane Regulations Work? (Brief Technical)

The EPA’s NSPS rules under 40 CFR Part 60 for emission regulations are organized into subparts, each with a specific scope:

• Subpart OOOO established performance standards for emissions from new, modified, or reconstructed crude oil and natural gas facilities after August 23, 2011 and on or before September 18, 2015.
• Subpart OOOOa established performance standards for emissions from new, modified, or reconstructed sources after September 18, 2015 and on or before December 6, 2022. EPA-approved advanced detection technologies can be used for leak detection for this Subpart.
• Subpart OOOOb applies to infrastructure that is new, modified or reconstructed after December 6th, 2022. EPA-approved advanced detection technologies can be used for leak detection for this Subpart. 

Operators must determine which subpart applies to each facility based on construction dates and modification history. Each rule comes with specific LDAR, documentation, and reporting requirements.

Key Applications in Oil and Gas

• Determining compliance pathways for new vs. existing facilities
• Aligning LDAR program design with federal rule requirements
• Using quantified methane data to meet or exceed monitoring requirements
• Demonstrating proactive compliance to regulators and stakeholders

Related: EPA OOOOb Methane Rule, OOOOc Methane Regulation, Subpart W Methane, Methane Compliance Monitoring, LDAR Methane Detection

*Disclaimer: The information provided by Bridger Photonics, Inc. is intended for informational purposes only and is not official guidance or legal advice. We recommend consulting the appropriate agency or your legal team before making any decisions based on this information. Bridger Photonics, Inc. makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information provided. 

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