DEP said it is considering how to tackle emissions from conventional wells and hopes to have a rule before the end of the year.
Old wells leak the potent greenhouse gas methane and toxins that can cause health issues for people who live nearby.
Environmental advocates say the rule doesn’t go far enough, especially now that the federal government is considering much tougher standards.
Clean Air Council, Environmental Defense Fund, Earthworks, and Clean Water Action have joined to launch WolfsMethanePromise.com.
Under the new regulation, companies would have to install equipment to stop emissions from escaping and inspect sites for leaks every three months.
A proposed regulation would require better monitoring and control of emissions at existing oil and gas wells and related sites.
The average dairy cow belches about 350 pounds of the potent greenhouse gas each year.
