DEP’s OOOOc Plan Explained: Risks, Requirements & Next Steps

On May 31, 2025, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) released its long-awaited draft plan for implementing the federal EPA’s Quad OOOOc methane regulations. The 193-page proposal sets a rapid timeline toward finalization—potentially by March 9, 2026—and will significantly impact oil and gas operations across the Commonwealth.

PIOGA has been preparing for this moment for months, engaging directly with lawmakers, DEP officials, and federal agencies to advocate for our members. Now, it’s time for every segment of the industry to get informed, get engaged, and make your voice heard.

 PIOGA’s OOOOc Info Sheet

To help members navigate the complexities of the DEP’s proposal, PIOGA has released a comprehensive Info Sheet that breaks down what the plan includes, what comes next, and how it could affect your operations.

Read the Info Sheet: https://pioga.org/publication_file/OOOOc-Infosheet.pdf

Read the Full Draft Plan: hhttps://greenport.pa.gov/elibrary/GetFolder?FolderID=1646351

Virtual Seminars: Get Prepared

PIOGA is offering free virtual seminars to help members unpack the DEP plan and understand what compliance means. These sessions are a must-attend for anyone seeking clarity on how this rule affects your business.

Sign up for a virtual seminar: INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS FOR OOOOc STATE PLAN (https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=f32xQJj5cEybVujrcmbYpfGrhUU3PHdPnb62gLE7EftUMzEzT1o3RTMxWEFLVU01Tk1aSElHN08yRS4u)

We’re on the Front Lines – Are You?

PIOGA is actively fighting for our members:

  • Six full days spent in Harrisburg and D.C. in the last two months
  • Meetings with 7 legislative offices, including both PA senators
  • Ongoing advocacy focused on OOOOc regulations and orphan well plugging
  • Returning to Harrisburg on June 24 for Natural Gas Day, and again on July 7 for the public hearing at DEP Headquarters
  • Attendance at critical hearings:
    • June 30 – Washington & Jefferson College
    • July 1 – Drake Well Museum
    • July 7 – DEP Headquarters (Harrisburg)
    • July 10 – Virtual hearing

PIOGA staff will be attending hearings to represent our members. Pappasergi will attend the June 30 hearing; Weaver will be at the July 1 hearing in Titusville.

What You Can Do Right Now

Attend a Public Hearing: Let your concerns be heard in person or virtually. This is your opportunity to protect your operation and Pennsylvania’s energy future.

Stay Engaged: The path forward depends on active industry participation—and that starts with you.

Now is not the time to sit on the sidelines. If we want a workable, balanced path forward for Pennsylvania’s oil and gas industry, we must stand together, speak out, and stay involved.

This Is a Hill to Die On

The proposed DEP plan is a near mirror of the federal rule—and it’s poised to impact every operator in the state. There may still be room for changes, but that window is closing fast.

PIOGA is working directly with lawmakers and regulators to shape a more realistic and workable approach. But we need your voice to amplify ours. Industry-wide, this is a defining moment.

From Daniel Weaver, PIOGA President & Executive Director:

“The proposed OOOOc plan released by the DEP will send shockwaves across the entire industry, impacting not just operators but all stakeholders involved. It is crucial that we take immediate action by submitting robust and constructive testimony and comments, ensuring that all segments of the industry can thrive beyond March 2029. The time to engage is now; tomorrow is uncertain. If you’re not part of the solution, you risk being part of the problem. Let’s rise to the challenge and make our voices heard.”
— Daniel Weaver, President & Executive Director, PIOGA

Watch your inbox and PIOGA’s social channels for regular updates, comment templates, and alerts. We will be releasing updates at least once a week as this issue evolves.

 

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