August 5, 2020

The following can be attributed to Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil and Gas Association:

“The data provided by the Railroad Commission confirms that both industry and regulators are continuing to make great strides on environmental progress. The rate of flaring being reduced by 79% is highly significant when you consider, at minimum, more than one-third of the reduction came before the curtailment of production in response to the pandemic. The focus on implementing a greater use of technology will continue to spur innovation which is a hallmark of this industry. I appreciate the Commissioners’ leadership and the member companies who participate in the Texas Methane & Flaring Coalition.  The Coalition looks forward to reviewing the proposal and remains committed to its goal of ending routine flaring in Texas.”

Yesterday during a hearing, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) held a public meeting on proposed revisions to Statewide Rule 32 (SWR 32) Exception Data Sheet and provided data that showed a significant reduction in flaring in Texas. The RRC announced that it is accepting public comment on proposed revisions. Public comments will be accepted through Friday, September 4, 2020. To view the proposed revisions and submit a comment, visit the RRC website at https://rrc.texas.gov/about-us/resource-center/forms/proposed-form-changes/. To watch full RRC hearing, click HERE.

TXOGA is a member of the Texas Methane & Flaring Coalition, which is a voluntary coalition of Texas oil and natural gas companies and organizations that have joined together to collectively identify and promote operational and environmental recommended practices to minimize flaring and methane emissions. For more information, please visit www.texasmethaneflaringcoalition.org