Ovintiv, an oil and gas giant, just discovered that skirting clean air laws can burn a hole in their pockets.

What is happening?

As reported OK Energy todayOvintiv was penalized for failing to control its releases of harmful pollutants at 139 oil and gas facilities across Utah, including the Uintah and Ouray reservations.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Justice, the company failed to comply with federal and state standards for pollution capture and monitoring. This has led to the illegal release of volatile organic compounds and harmful gases like methane.

Volatile organic compounds are chemicals that can turn into vapors or gases and contribute significantly to air pollution. These compounds can be released during cooking, as well as from other sources such as automobile pollution and industrial processes.

The settlement includes a $5.5 million civil penalty and requires the company to take actions that are expected to exceed $10 million and are expected to reduce more than 2,000 tons of VOC pollution and 50,000 tons of harmful pollution each year. year. This is the equivalent of removing nearly 13,000 gasoline-powered cars from the road.

Why is the Ovintiv settlement important?

Ovintiv’s settlement is important because it reinforces that pollution from oil and gas operations will not be tolerated. Not only is it illegal, but it can also harm humans and the environment.

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VOCs contribute to respiratory diseases, including asthma, particularly in vulnerable communities. Methane, released in large quantities, is a powerful gas that accelerates the Earth’s overheating by trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Ovintiv’s actions have impacted public health and contributed to growing concern over rising global temperatures. This case illustrates how dirty energy companies continue to harm the environment and neighboring communities through irresponsible practices that prioritize profits over compliance and accountability.

What are we doing about Ovintiv pollution?

As part of the settlement, Ovintiv is required to implement significant compliance measures. This includes the redesign of installations to better capture harmful gases. The company will conduct periodic infrared camera inspections to monitor leaks, enhanced maintenance protocols and the installation of pressure monitors on storage tanks.

Compliance measures will ensure that Ovintiv accurately measures its gas pollution and reports it correctly.

Beyond these corporate requirements, EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative works to reduce methane in the oil and gas sector, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by pollution.

Meanwhile, individuals can support policies that keep energy companies dirty responsible, lawyer for stricter pollution standards, and reduce personal dependence on oil and gas by choosing cleaner options wherever possible, for example taking public transport instead of driving or making your next car a electric vehicle.

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