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This references two documents relating to current EPA usage of infrared monitoring technology to identify emissions sources.

The first is a June 20, 2006 story from Rocky Mountain News (RMN). This highlights an EPA Region 8 "tour" of oil and gas facilities near Denver with a pollution-detecting infrared camera. Richard Long, head of air programs for the Denver regional office emphasized that their emissions findings do not mean they are illegal, or that this informal tour was a step towards formal enforcement action. He did, however, state that the large number of "minor sources" such as those identified by the infrared camera are "what we need to get a handle on."

The second document is a July 18th letter from Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), Chairman of the Committee on Environment and Public Works, to EPA's Region 8 Administrator. Senator Inhofe cites the importance of "trust between the regulator and the regulated community" and questions the activities specifically reported in the RMN article. The questions include the following:

• If privately owned land or facilities were scanned using EPA's infrared camera, was written permission from the owners obtained? If not, please explain why.

• Does the camera chemically identify the emissions viewed?

• Under what authority was Region 8 conducting an "unofficial" search?

• How did Region 8 ensure the privacy rights of the subjects who were searched?

• Provide a detailed explanation of what was meant that the EPA must "get a handle on," and identify the authority that the Agency would be asserting.

• Explain how unofficial searches of privately owned facilities, with and without notice to owners and operators, affect Region 8's ability to establish a foundation of trust with the oil and gas industry, state governments, and private citizens.

It should be noted that Senator David Vitter (R-LA) sits on the Inhofe Committee.

ILTA invites all members to notify us of any actions taken by the LA DEQ or TCEP or other state agencies relating to the use of infrared cameras for emissions monitoring which may be construed as inappropriate. This could include exceeding agency authority, straying from a grounding in science, or a violation of trust between regulators and the regulated community.