EPA REGION IX'S FUELS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Fuels Management Approach “raises the bar” for regulators and the oil industry. It is a concept that includes all aspects of the “life cycle of oil,” from E&P through consumption. Oil spill prevention, preparedness, and response issues are addressed within this concept. There are major gaps or overlaps in the regulatory framework, misunderstanding and confusion regarding regulators' duties, and significant inconsistencies in regulatory implementation. While regulators have similar concerns regarding fuels management, little has happened to resolve these issues. Industry is evolving at an amazing pace through mergers, downsizing, and major oil companies selling assets to smaller operations. The result has been increased numbers of abandoned oil wells, facilities in disrepair, and problems associated with an aging infrastructure. This has impacted regulators' resources as well, and they have become increasingly ineffective because of their lack of coordination and understanding of the oil industry. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fuels Management Program (FMP) is based on the philosophy that regulators must develop a new strategy to keep pace with industry changes. The FMP utilizes a holistic approach to the environmental problems related to the oil industry. The program goals are to (1) improve interagency coordination and communication, (2) identify agencies' key issues that could be resolved through partnerships, etc., and (3) identify the universe of problem petroleum sites in Region IX. To accomplish these goals, however, the FMP must level the playing field by establishing (1) a baseline understanding of the oil industry by regulators, (2) a baseline understanding of the roles and responsibilities of these agencies by all stakeholders, and (3) a forum to discuss fuels management, resources, and technical issues. The EPA FMP includes workshops and outreach activities for both regulators and industry. This paper discusses the development of the FMP, results of recent workshops, and future involvement of the oil industry.