WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Rules are needed to control emissions from oil and natural gas production but they shouldn't get in the way of U.S. development, an energy lobbying group said.
The American Petroleum Institute said it wanted more time from the Environmental Protection Agency to comment on proposed rules for oil and gas production emissions.
"We do not oppose rules to help manage upstream emissions but we are concerned that, unless properly crafted, they could hamper our ability to meet the nation's energy needs," said Howard Feldman, API director of regulatory and scientific affairs.
"As EPA's proposal stands today, we have questions about whether we're going to get workable, practical rules that do not obstruct development."
The EPA had offered a public comment period on its proposed regulations of 60 days. API said that deadline "is not reasonable or practicable."
Lawmakers in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives have said many of the EPA's new proposals are undermining job prospects in the United States.
U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, in March claimed the EPA is made up of "unelected bureaucrats" who are throwing up "roadblocks to domestic energy production."
API represents hundreds of oil and gas companies, which it says account for nearly 8 percent of the U.S. economy and 9.2 million jobs.
