  Photon quantization is implemented in the standard model extension (SME)
using the Gupta-Bleuler method and BRST concepts. The quantization prescription
applies to both the birefringent and non-birefringent CPT-even couplings. A
curious incompatibility is found between the presence of the Lorentz-violating
terms and the existence of a nontrivial conjugate momentum $\Pi^0$ yielding
problems with covariant quantization procedure. Introduction of a mass
regulator term can avoid the vanishing of $\Pi^0$ and allows for the
implementation of a covariant quantization procedure. Field-theoretic
calculations involving the SME photons can then be performed using the mass
regulator, similar to the conventional procedure used in electrodynamics for
infrared-divergence regulation.
