OOOOc Methane Regulation

The OOOOc methane regulation refers to the U.S. EPA’s Subpart OOOOc rule under the Clean Air Act. By establishing emissions guidelines for methane and VOCs, OOOOc provides a regulatory framework for states to implement methane emission reductions via state implementation plans, or SIPs, from existing oil and gas facilities across various sectors including production, gathering, and processing.

Why Do OOOOc Methane Regulations Matter?

Subpart OOOOc is a set of emission guidelines for how states should develop their own requirements in the coming years via “state implementation plans,” or SIPs. These SIPs will be aimed at reducing emissions from existing oil and gas sources, covering older infrastructure sources from on or before December 6th, 2022. OOOOc complements Subpart OOOOb, which applies to infrastructure that is new, modified or reconstructed after December 6th, 2022.

Under OOOOc, the EPA:

• Defines what qualifies as a “designated facility” under the crude oil & natural gas source category
• Requires states to develop and submit SIPs
• Assists states in establishing performance standards to minimize methane emissions
• Allows use of advanced methane detection technologies when they meet EPA criteria

Operators must understand how their facilities are regulated under OOOOc and how state-level implementation plans will affect their LDAR and reporting obligations.

How Do OOOOc Methane Regulations Work? (Brief Technical)

Unlike OOOOb, which is directly enforceable at the federal level, OOOOc functions as an emissions guideline, meaning:

1. The U.S. EPA defines performance standards and compliance expectations
2. States create implementation plans detailing how they will apply these standards to existing facilities
3. State plans are adopted with timelines, methods, and monitoring requirements, once approved by the EPA

Compliance with OOOOc may involve methane detection and repair programs, monitoring schedules, and reporting protocols that vary by state, but must align with EPA’s minimum expectations.

Technologies like Bridger’s aerial LiDAR support compliance by delivering high-resolution, audit-ready emissions data that can be integrated into state-approved monitoring plans.

Key Applications in Oil and Gas

• Aligning LDAR programs with federal performance standards
• Using quantified methane data to meet or exceed monitoring requirements
• Demonstrating proactive compliance to regulators and stakeholders

Related: EPA OOOOb Methane Rule, Subpart W Methane, Methane Compliance Monitoring, OGMP 2.0, 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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