The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reinstated the requirement for oil and gas companies, along with other industries, to report the amount of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) emissions released into the environment. This decision, effective from October 17, aims to enhance public awareness and provide essential data for potential regulatory actions. The first reports under this requirement are due on July 1, 2013, covering emissions from 2012. The EPA states that including industry-reported H2S data in the Toxic Release Inventory will enable public access to information on hazardous chemicals. Hydrogen sulfide, also known as sour gas, is naturally present in crude petroleum, natural gas, and volcanic emissions. Industries such as food processing, petroleum refining, and wastewater treatment facilities, among others, contribute to H2S emissions. The reinstatement of reporting follows a history of classification changes and concerns over the health impacts of H2S. While environmental groups like the Natural Resources Defense Council pushed for H2S to be classified as a toxic chemical in 1993, the EPA later placed an administrative stay on its reporting in 1994 due to industry objections. The recent decision to reinstate reporting is based on the EPA's assessment of the chronic toxicity of hydrogen sulfide. Despite opposition from industry bodies like the Hydrogen Sulfide Consortium, the EPA asserts the importance of tracking and assessing chemical releases for public health and environmental impact evaluation. Overall, the EPA's move to reinstate H2S reporting signifies a step towards greater transparency in monitoring toxic chemical releases and ensuring public access to crucial environmental data.