Waste Emissions Charge (WEC)

A fee assessed by the US EPA for reported methane emissions above an intensity threshold of 0.05 to 0.2%. The Waste Emissions Charge (WEC) for methane applies to petroleum and natural gas facilities that emit more than 25,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year as reported under Subpart W of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, that exceed statutorily specified waste emissions thresholds set by Congress, and that are not otherwise exempt from the charge. The WEC starts at $900 per metric ton for 2024 reported methane emissions, increasing to $1,200 per metric ton for 2025 emissions, and $1,500 per metric ton for emissions years 2026 and later.