Marathon Oil Settles for $241.5 Million to Reduce Harmful Emissions
The Clean Air Act penalty aims to cut pollution in North Dakota.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Jul 15, 2024
Marathon Oil Company has agreed to a $241.5 million settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice to address Clean Air Act violations at its oil and gas production operations on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota.
According to a recent release, the agreement includes a $64.5 million civil penalty—the largest ever for Clean Air Act violations at stationary sources—and extensive compliance measures to reduce harmful emissions from over 200 facilities across the state.
The settlement targets significant emissions reductions, including over 2.25 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalents over the next five years, and the elimination of nearly 110,000 tons of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These efforts will help mitigate climate change and improve air quality, particularly for communities on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation and western North Dakota.
“Today’s record Clean Air Act settlement is the most significant to date under EPA’s climate enforcement initiative and makes clear that EPA will hold corporate polluters like Marathon accountable for violations that put communities and our futures at risk,” Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance said in a statement. “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.”
The agreement requires Marathon to invest $177 million in compliance measures by the end of 2024. These measures include flare monitoring, infrared camera inspections and improved storage tank designs. Marathon will also obtain necessary permits for existing and new facilities in North Dakota and implement emission caps to ensure ongoing compliance.
The settlement, which includes investments in emissions reduction projects and support for local environmental monitoring, is pending a 30-day public comment period following its filing with the United States District Court, District of North Dakota, Western Division. This case marks the first enforcement action against an oil and gas producer for major source emissions permitting violations under the Clean Air Act’s Prevention of Significant Deterioration program.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor for Environmental Protection.