The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE) are planning to throw a lifeline to smaller independent oil and gas producers to help them voluntarily curb methane pollution.

Methane

The federal agencies said Monday they plan to make up to $350 million available to help eligible states “assist industry to voluntarily identify and permanently reduce methane emissions from low-producing (marginal) conventional wells. These investments are expected to improve the economic competitiveness of small and medium-sized producers while reducing associated harmful air pollution, mitigating health effects in nearby communities, and creating jobs in energy communities.”

The agencies added that, “States also will be able to use a portion of their award for environmental...