The US Environmental Protection Agency announced new rules for air emissions from oil and natural gas wells yesterday. The rules affect the pipeline transport of natural gas as well as production, but are mainly focused on hydraulic fracturing operations. No federal standards had existed previously, though some states had instituted their own.

After fracking fluid is used to hydraulically fracture natural gas source rocks, some of it is returned to the surface when the invigorated natural gas flow picks up. During this “flowback” process, which lasts several days, large volumes of natural gas often escape before the well is ready for routine collection to begin. Between now and the start of 2015, natural gas producers will have to either capture this natural gas or burn it off. After that point, they will be required to capture it.

Burning this fugitive gas cuts down on emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which include carcinogenic compounds like benzene, and converts high-greenhouse-impact methane into carbon dioxide. After capturing is required in 2015, the EPA estimates a decrease in greenhouse emissions equivalent to taking about 2 to 4 million homes off the electric grid. Emissions of the VOCs, which can cause local health hazards, should be cut by 95 percent under the new rules.

Although environmental rules are often criticized for costing companies money, these new ones should actually enhance their profits. Because the captured gas can subsequently be sold, the EPA estimates that the new rules will save the oil and gas industry $11 to $19 million per year despite the cost of the equipment required to comply. The Agency notes that a number of well drillers have already begun using this kind of capture technology.

In a press release, EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said, “By ensuring the capture of gases that were previously released to pollute our air and threaten our climate, these updated standards will not only protect our health, but also lead to more product for fuel suppliers to bring to market.”