Marathon to pay $64.5 million, the largest penalty ever for violations of the Clean Air Act
Marathon Oil Company has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $64.5 million for violating the Clean Air Act at its operations on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota. The company settled with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Justice and agreed to implement compliance measures to reduce harmful emissions from over 200 facilities across North Dakota. These compliance measures include flare monitoring, periodic infrared camera inspections and implementation of storage tank design requirements. This is officially the largest ever civil penalty for violations of the Clean Air Act at stationary sources.
According to the agencies, Marathon violated major source emissions permitting requirements under the Clean Air Act’s Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program, which caused thousands of tons of illegal pollution and the release of greenhouse gases. Under the terms of the settlement, Marathon will implement compliance measures estimated to cost $177 million, as well as obtain permits with federally enforceable emissions limits at production facilities on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. This will result in the equivalent of over 2.25 million tons of reduced carbon dioxide emissions over the next five years and eliminate nearly 110,000 tons of VOC emissions.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance said, “The $64.5 million Clean Air Act penalty and the substantial measures Marathon must take to reduce its harmful air emissions demonstrate that EPA will not allow oil and gas companies to put corporate profits ahead of protecting communities and the environment. As a result of today’s settlement, Marathon will dramatically cut its emissions of methane, a climate super-pollutant that is dozens of times more potent in the near term than carbon dioxide. EPA is committed to doing everything possible to limit climate change and promote a sustainable future.”
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland added, “The complaint alleges that Clean Air Act violations at nearly 90 Marathon facilities resulted in thousands of tons of illegal emissions. The work that Marathon will do under this agreement will result in the equivalent of over 2.25 million tons of reduced carbon-dioxide emissions over the next five years and also eliminate nearly 110,000 tons of VOC emissions. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce our environmental laws to protect the health of the American people.”
EPA in the news
Suncor Energy receives Notice of Violation for failing to comply with air emissions laws
According to the agencies, Suncor is improperly releasing hazardous air pollutants like benzene.
GM to retire 50 million metric tons of greenhouse gas credits
Tests showed that the vehicles were emitting more than 10% higher CO2 levels than GM’s initial GHG compliance reports claimed.
35 projects received $1.93 billion in tax credits to accelerate clean energy manufacturing
The projects, which are located in 20 states, address a range of needs across the clean energy economy.
Manufacturers violating the Clean Air Act
Electronic Products fined $118K for violating two environmental laws
Electronic Products failed to identify hazards related to its use of anhydrous ammonia at its facility.
Battery manufacturer fined $431K by EPA for violating the Clean Air Act
Additionally, the company will have to spend $250,000 to resolve the violations.
Smith Foundry fined $80k by EPA and must cease furnace, casting operations within 1 year
The EPA alleges that the iron foundry, which is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, violated the Clean Air Act.