EPA'S Natural Gas Star Program

The Natural Gas STAR Program is a voluntary partnership between industry and government, designed to reduce emissions of methane. The program uses market forces to save industry money while achieving the objectives of the Climate Change Action Plan. This paper describes the development of the Natural Gas STAR Program, including sources of emissions, cost-effective solutions, and program benefits. Specifically, in the production sector the replacement of high-bleed pneumatics with low or no-bleed devices, and adding flash tank separators to dehydrators are two cost-effective methods that reduce emissions. Although the paper focuses on the production sector of the industry it is important to note that a program for transmission and distribution is already in place. Participation in the Natural Gas STAR Programs can provide each company with valuable information on updating systems and saving money.