The Catalyst
The EPA's Subpart OOOOb and OOOOc methane regulations — the most expansive overhaul of the oil and gas emissions framework in decades — impose mandatory leak-detection and repair (LDAR) programs, continuous monitoring requirements, and pneumatic controller replacements across upstream and midstream operations. Operators in basins like the Permian must now deploy approved monitoring technology on a defined inspection schedule, capture fugitive emissions above set thresholds, and document compliance with measurement-grade instrumentation. Failure to comply triggers per-day penalties. The rule doesn't just restrict — it mandates purchases. And two companies make exactly what operators are now legally required to buy.