5900-98 MOU for Distribution Companies

OMB Control No. 2060-0328 Approval Expires 3/31/2008

N ATURAL G AS S T A R P ROGRAM: MEMORANDUM OF
U NDERSTANDING FOR D ISTRIBUTION C OMPANIES
This is a voluntary agreement between _____________________________ (company name) andthe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
for the purpose of reducing methane releases to the atmosphere by implementing cost-effective emission reduction technologies and practices.
The Natural Gas STAR Program is a
flexible, non-regulatory partnership
between EPA and the oil and natural gas
industry aimed at demonstrating the costeffectiveness and environmental benefits of
methane emission reduction opportunities.

The recommended Natural Gas STAR Best
Management Practices (BMPs) for
Distribution Companies have been jointly
identified by EPA and the
industry as cost -effective options for
reducing methane emissions.

Authorized Company Representative: ___________________________________ (name)
Signature:_____________________________________________ Date:______________
Dina Kruger: Director, Climate Change Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Signature:_____________________________________________ Date:______________

Partner's Designated Natural Gas STAR Implementation Manager:
Name:______________________________________________________________________
Title: _______________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip ________________________________________________________________

Partner Reported Opportunities
(PROs) are additional methane emission
reduction options reported by partner
companies. PROs can reduce gas loss,
increase profits and improve operational
efficiency.

Telephone/Fax:__________________________________E-mail: ________________________

Partner's Media Liaison/Public Relations Manager:
Name:______________________________________________________________________
Title: _______________________________________________________________________

Best Management Practices
•
•

Implement directed inspection and
maintenance programs at gate
station, and surface facilities.
Identify and rehabilitate leaky
distribution pipe.

Partner Reported Opportunities
•

Identify and implement other costeffective methane emission reduction
management practices and
technologies.

Address: ____________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip ________________________________________________________________
Telephone/Fax:__________________________________E-mail: ________________________

EPA's Responsibilities
1.
2.
3.
4.

Assign a STAR Service Representative responsible for assisting the partner in implementing the Program.
Assist partners with Program implementation by: (1) analyzing emerging technologies and practices; (2) developing workshops
and training courses; and (3) assisting in the removal of regulatory barriers to implementing Program BMPs, when appropriate.
Provide partners with public recognition for their commitment to the Program through advertisements, press releases, articles, and
awards.
Recognize partners for methane emission reductions achieved before joining the Program, back to 1993.

Please fax this form to:
EPA Natural Gas STAR Program
c/o Roger Fernandez
Fax: (202) 343-2202

Natural Gas STAR Partner's Responsibilities
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Appoint a company representative as the Natural Gas STAR Program Implementation Manager responsible for implementing this
voluntary agreement.
Submit an implementation plan within six months of signing this agreement outlining expected activities and scope of
implementation.
Implement, within three years, applicable BMPs and PROs at facilities in the United States as outlined in the implementation plan when costeffective (as defined by the partner).
Submit annual reports describing the BMPs and PROs implemented, the cost of implementation, and the associated methane emission
reductions.
Communicate participation to employees and cooperate with EPA efforts to publicize the Program.

General Terms
1.

This agreement can be terminated by either party at any time, with no notice or penalties and no further obligation. EPA agrees not to
publicize a partner's withdrawal from the Program.

2.

The partner agrees that the activities it undertakes connected with this MOU are not intended to provide services to the federal
government and that the partner will not seek compensation from a federal agency.
The partner agrees that it will not claim or imply that its participation in the Program constitutes EPA approval or endorsement of
anything other than the commitment to the Program.

3.

EPA Form No. 5900-98

The public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 38 hours per response.
Send comments on the Agency's need for this information, the accuracy of the provided burden estimates, and any suggested
methods for minimizing respondent burden, including through the use of automated collection techniques to the Director, Collection
Strategies Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2822T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20460. Include
the OMB control number in any correspondence. Do not send the completed form to this address.