5900-98 MOU for Distribution Sector

OMB Control No. 2060-0328

Expires 09/30/2018

N

The Natural Gas STAR Program is a flexible, non-regulatory partnership between EPA and the oil and natural gas industry aimed at demonstrating the cost-effectiveness 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.

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

EPA Form No. 5900-98

atural 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:                                                                                                                        Date:                               

Paul M. Gunning: 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. Assign a STAR Service Representative responsible for assisting the partner in implementing the Program.

2. 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.

3. Provide partners with public recognition for their commitment to the Program through advertisements, press releases, articles, and awards.

4. Recognize partners for methane emission reductions achieved before joining the Program, back to 1993.

5. 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

1. Appoint a company representative as the Natural Gas STAR Program Implementation Manager responsible for implementing this voluntary agreement.

2. Submit an implementation plan within six months of signing this agreement outlining expected activities and scope of implementation.

3. 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).

4. 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.

5. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 59 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.