The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced a 66-day public comment period, including three virtual public hearings, for a proposed rule to reduce emissions of methane and other harmful air pollution, such as smog-forming volatile organic compounds (VOCs), from existing oil and gas operations.

 

The virtual hearings will be on June 23 (6 p.m.), June 24 (2 p.m.), and June 25 (6 p.m.).

 

Proposed Rulemaking – Control of VOC Emissions from Oil and Natural Gas Sources

 

In accordance with Governor Wolf’s emergency disaster declaration and based on advice from the Department of Health regarding the mitigation of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the EQB will hold three virtual public hearings for the purpose of accepting comments on this proposed rulemaking. The hearings will be held as follows:

 

June 23, 2020, at 6 p.m. June 24, 2020, at 2 p.m. June 25, 2020, at 6 p.m.

 

 Persons wishing to present testimony at a hearing must contact Jennifer Swan for the Department and the Board, (717) 783-8727 or RA-EPEQB@pa.gov at least 24 hours in advance of the hearing to reserve a time to present testimony. Addresses and phone numbers for all persons wishing to provide virtual testimony is required.

 

             Witnesses must be a resident of this Commonwealth to provide testimony.

 

             Organizations are limited to designating one witness to present testimony on their behalf at only one hearing.

 

             Verbal testimony is limited to 5 minutes for each witness.

 

             Video demonstrations and screen sharing by witnesses will not be permitted.

 

Witnesses are requested to submit written copy of their verbal testimony by e-mail to RegComments@pa.gov after providing testimony at the hearing.

 

Any members of the public wishing to observe the public hearing without providing testimony can also access the hearings using the links provided above. Those who have not registered in advance as described previously will remain muted for the duration of the public hearing. For additional information regarding the Department’s hosting of virtual public hearings, please click here.

 

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