Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent a letter to President Biden on the EPA’s plan claiming it could jeopardize a quarter of the nation’s gas supply.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced it may impose a discretionary redesignation of the Permian Basin, which accounts for approximately forty percent of all oil produced in the U.S.
The EPA is considering labeling parts of the Permian Basin as violating the ozone standards set by the federal government.
“EPA is now considering a discretionary redesignation for (portions of) these counties in New Mexico and Texas for the 2015 ozone NAAQS under Clean Air Act section 107(d)(3) based on current monitoring data and other air quality factors. If the area is redesignated to nonattainment, the state(s) will be required to submit a State Implementation Plan to bring the area into attainment with the 2015 ozone NAAQS,” the Biden administration wrote.
If allowed, Governor Abbott says it could result in draconian regulations that could spur new permitting requirements and scrutiny of drilling operations and would ultimately have a negative impact on the country's oil supply.
“Creating uncertainty on permitting and inserting unnecessary regulatory barriers will only negatively impact the production necessary to meet the needs of consumers,” Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil and Gas Association told Bloomberg.
Governor Abbott wants a response from President Biden by July 29th.
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