Marathon Oil has reached an agreement to pay $241.5 million to settle federal allegations regarding the unlawful emission of methane and other pollutants from oil and gas facilities in North Dakota.
As part of the proposed settlement, Marathon Oil, headquartered in Houston, will pay a $64.5 million civil penalty, marking the largest-ever fine for Clean Air Act violations related to stationary infrastructure.
In addition to the civil penalty, Marathon Oil has committed to investing $177 million to reduce future emissions in North Dakota, with a focus on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlighted instances where Marathon Oil had violated permitting requirements and other regulations in recent years.
This settlement is a significant component of the EPA’s broader initiative to address greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas facilities. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has a substantial short-term impact on global warming, making its reduction crucial for environmental sustainability.
“EPA is dedicated to taking decisive action to combat climate change and ensure a sustainable future,” stated David M. Uhlmann, an assistant administrator at the agency.
