These Guidelines are intended to guide states in assessing and improving their regulatory programs for upstream oil and gas development including waste management, abandoned sites, naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM), stormwater management, hydraulic fracturing, air quality, and reused and recycled fluids. These Guidelines, therefore, sets out the elements of an effective program using “should” rather than the mandatory “shall”, and “are encouraged to” for elements which are desirable, but which are not necessary for an effective program.
Fundamental differences exist from state to state, and within regions within a state in terms of climate, meteorological patterns, air quality compliance status, hydrology, geology, economics, and method of operation, which may impact on the manner in which oil and gas exploration, development, and production is performed. State oil and gas programs can and should vary from state to state and within portions of a state. The process by which these criteria are incorporated into state programs is a function of, and within the discretion of, the responsible state agency.
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