EPA: Montana air quality drilling rules too lax

EPA: Montana air quality drilling rules too lax

MATTHEW BROWN, Associated Press

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Federal environmental officials said Thursday they plan to reject Montana air quality rules that allow oil and gas companies to obtain emissions permits after they have already started drilling.

The Environmental Protection Agency said the rules do not meet requirements of the Clean Air Act.

Adopted in 2005 and 2006, the rules give companies 60 days after drilling a well to register with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. No emissions permit is required.

More than 900 oil and ga...