EPA finalized its Waste Emission Charge (WEC) Rule on Nov. 18. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) requires EPA to collect a WEC on waste emissions of methane from petroleum and natural gas facilities that emit more than 25,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year as reported under subpart W of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, that exceed statutorily specified waste emissions thresholds established in the IRA, and that are not otherwise exempt from the charge. The WEC starts at $900 per metric ton for 2024 reported methane emissions, increasing to $1,200 per metric ton for 2025 emissions, and $1,500 per metric ton for emissions years 2026 and later. The rule becomes effective on Jan. 17.

The Petroleum Alliance will host a workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. on Jan. 30 at The Petroleum Alliance headquarters that will provide an overview of the requirements of EPA’s final Waste Emission Charge Rule. This workshop follows previous workshops on NSPS OOOOb/c and Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program – Subpart W.

The workshop will cover calculation methods, exemptions, owner/operator fee responsibilities, netting, and payment deadlines. Energy Overwatch’s Dana Wood will provide an overview of the final WEC Rule along with key insights.

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
8:30 a.m. — Registration/Continental Breakfast
8:55 a.m. — Welcome
9:00 a.m. – EPA Final Waste Emission Charge Rule
10:00 a.m. — Break
10:15 a.m. — Key Insights on How to Reduce WEC Fees
11:15 a.m. — Adjourn