I was just in Houston last week. We were discussing the new regulations regarding NoX emissions. The consensus was grim. When it comes to midstream natural gas production, things are going to get very expensive in order to remain compliant. Some of our stand-by and primary power generation guys pointed out that the portable power generation (used at drill sites and production plants)will no longer be allowed after Jan. 1, 2011. Oh, and offshore business is dead for now.
WTH is that all about? Are you talking about the gazillions of compressor/generators located at the remote pumping/production sites just about everywhere in the country?
Short story: I get on Google Earth from time to time to just cruise around to see what I can see. Deep in these Piney Woods of East Texas are hundreds of what appeared to be tank storage facilities of some kind; complete with small storage tanks and other equipment. I located one within a few miles of home and went to investigate. First thing I noticed was a huge generator/compressor, not much smaller than and resembling a train engine. VERY quiet BTW. Along with this was what looked like a "Christmas Tree" and about half a dozen storage tanks with a large sign warning of hydrogen sulfide gas. I had seen all I wanted to see. ;^)
In order to be non compliant, the sites must be inspected.
If the federal inspector is jailed for any number of state violations, no inspection can occur and the noncompliance never exists.