NW Kansas News

U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall, both Republicans from Kansas, have called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide greater flexibility for small oil and gas producers as the agency updates its methane regulations.

In a letter addressed to Aaron Szabo, Assistant Administrator of the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, the senators emphasized that many oil and gas producers in Kansas are small, family-owned businesses rather than large corporations. “The independent oil and gas producers across our state are typically small, family-owned businesses, operating companies, and royalty owners, in contrast to the vertically integrated ‘majors,’” they wrote. “In turn, the regulation should reflect the fact that oil and natural gas from these independent wells, known as ‘stripper’ wells, emit negligible levels of methane that fall below federal regulatory requirements.”

The senators argued that current federal, state, and local regulations already impose significant costs on these businesses. They stated: “With the current costs associated with federal, state, and local regulations, the added burden of certain environmental regulations that offer little to no returned benefit to the environment is not justified.” They also noted their intention to support economic growth while maintaining energy independence through supporting independent operators: “We want to do all we can to ensure our economy continues to grow and our nation’s energy independence is maintained through the continued success of the small businesses that are our independent oil and gas operators.”

Moran and Marshall thanked Szabo for his work at EPA aimed at strengthening American energy production while lowering consumer prices. They highlighted that thousands of independent producers contribute jobs in rural areas and play a role in domestic energy output.

The letter urges EPA officials to minimize negative impacts on small producers as they revise standards under 40 CFR part 60 for facilities built or modified after December 6, 2022. The senators acknowledged ongoing efforts by EPA staff to address concerns raised by traditional energy producers regarding regulatory burdens.

They concluded by reiterating their position that many independent operations act as responsible stewards balancing economic activity with environmental protection.