WASHINGTON – The American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC) – an association of independent, domestic oil and gas companies – commended the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) Navigable Waters Protection Rule, which provides clarity and regulatory certainty by establishing a definition of waters that are considered “waters of the United States” (WOTUS).
“America’s oil and natural gas companies need predictability and consistency to responsibly develop our vast natural resources in a safe, efficient and environmentally protective way. The Navigable Waters Protection Rule provides America’s energy industry with clarity, while preserving environmental protections for our nation’s water resources,” said AXPC CEO Anne Bradbury.
EPA is responsible for overseeing environmental protection during oil and gas operations and is tasked with enforcing the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act, among other key environmental statutes. Onshore oil and gas operations are also subject to, and comply with, a number of stringent state regulations.
“The protection of water resources is a top priority for AXPC members. Across all levels of energy operations, regulations help ensure the well-being of our environment and communities, and the
safety of employees and contractors,” Bradbury said. In addition to complying with extensive federal, state and local regulations, AXPC members develop and implement industry standards, share best practices, facilitate chemical and water use disclosures, and work with regulators to ensure their operations responsibly protect water resources.
About the American Exploration & Production Council
AXPC is a national trade association representing 26 of the largest independent oil and natural gas exploration and production companies in the United States. Dedicated to safety, science and
technological advancement, AXPC members strive to deliver affordable, reliable energy to consumers while positively impacting the economy and the communities in which we live and operate.
Learn more about AXPC by visiting https://axpc.org/
###