WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold three public hearings in September on the agency’s proposed standards to reduce air pollution from oil and gas drilling operations.  The proposed standards would rely on cost-effective, existing technologies and practices to reduce pollution that contributes to smog and can cause cancer, while supporting the administration’s priority of continuing to expand safe and responsible domestic oil and natural gas production.

If you want to speak at any of these three hearings — remember there are only three in the entire US — you can register with the EPA ahead of time by contacting Joan C. Rogers at 919-541-4487 or rogers.joanc@epa.gov.

People also may sign up to speak in person on the day of a hearing; however, they may not be given their preferred time slot to speak. The EPA must issue a final rule, which could require gas and oil drilling operators to better contain greenhouse gas and chemical emissions by Feb. 28, 2012.

WHAT:             Public hearings on proposed air pollution standards for the oil and natural gas industry

WHEN:             Sept. 27, 28 and 29, 2011. Each hearing will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 8 p.m. (local time)

WHERE:          

Sept. 27:  Pittsburgh

David L. Lawrence Convention Center

Rooms 315-316

1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd.

Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222

Sept. 28:  Denver

Colorado Convention Center

Room 207

700 14thSt.

Denver, Colo.  80202

Sept. 29: Arlington, Texas

Arlington Municipal Building

City Council Chambers

101 W. Abram St.

Arlington, Texas 76010