5900-98 MOU for Distribution Sector

OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 07/31/2011

NATURAL GAS STAR PROGRAM: MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING FOR DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES
This is a voluntary agreement between ___________________________________________ (company name)
and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the purpose of reducing methane releases to the
atmosphere by implementing cost-effective emission reduction technologies and practices.
Authorized Company Representative:

(name)

Signature:
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.
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.
Best Management Practices
 Directed inspection and
maintenance at gate stations and
surface facilities.
 Identify and rehabilitate leaky
distribution pipe.

Date:

Reid Harvey: Acting 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:
Telephone/Fax:

E-mail:

Partner’s Media Liaison/Public Relations Manager:
Name:
Title:
Address:
City/State/Zip:
Telephone/Fax:

E-mail:

EPA’s Responsibilities
1.
2.

3.
4.
5.

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.
EPA will only release information obtained from the partner company without prior authorization from that
company if required to do so under the Freedom of Information Act, the Agency’s regulations at 40 CFR
part 2, subpart B, or other applicable law.

Natural Gas STAR Partner’s Responsibilities
Partner Reported Opportunities
 Identify and implement other
cost-effective methane emission
reduction management
technologies and practices.

Please fax this form to:
EPA Natural Gas STAR Program
c/o Jerome Blackman
Fax: (202) 343-2342

1.
2.
3.
4.

5.

General Terms
1.
2.
3.
4.

EPA Form No. 5900-98

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 cost-effective (as defined by the partner).
Submit annual reports describing the BMPs and PROs implemented, the cost of implementation, and the
associated methane emissions reductions. Annual reports must be signed to certify the accuracy of data
contained in the report.
Communicate participation to employees and cooperate with EPA efforts to publicize the Program.

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.
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.
The partner must report the previous year’s emission reduction activities annually. If a partner does not
submit an annual report, the Natural Gas STAR Program will initiate a three step removal process. Details
of this process can be provided upon request.

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.