EPA Moves Again to Roll Back Methane Emissions Limits
EDF statement from Matt Watson, Vice President, Energy
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) The Environmental Protection Agency today took the next step in its march to roll back key safeguards designed to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas industry – a move that could result in an additional 5 million metric tons of methane pollution released into the atmosphere each year.
EPA asked the Office of Management and Budget for expedited review of a final rule package that, if similar to the agency’s proposal, would totally eliminate federal regulation of heat-trapping methane emissions from oil and gas well sites nationwide and, additionally, remove standards for all air pollution from oil and gas transmission and storage facilities. If rush review is accepted, the EPA has indicated the rollbacks will be final by the end of July.
“Since 2016, federal methane rules have been helping protect Americans from climate-damaging methane emissions and dangerous pollutants that harm our health. Companies including Shell, BP and ExxonMobil supported keeping and even strengthening these rules. Instead, the EPA has chosen a path that will put public health and the environment at risk and will only weaken the global competitiveness of U.S.-based companies.”
- Matt Watson, Vice President, Energy
One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund
Media Contact
Latest press releases
-
GOP House Appropriators Are on the Wrong Track
July 26, 2024 -
Energy Permitting Reform Must Advance Climate Progress and Community Safeguards
July 26, 2024 -
EDF Heads to Court to Defend EPA Action to Identify Climate Pollution, Including Methane from Landfills
July 24, 2024 -
New DOE Transmission Grants Will Deliver Reliable Power, Lower Costs and Jobs to Communities
July 24, 2024 -
New analysis: If Duke Energy’s gas plant ambitions are approved, the average residential customer could pay nearly $2,100 more on power bills through 2038
July 23, 2024 -
President Biden’s Vital Climate Leadership “Delivered Real, Positive Benefits for Everyone”
July 21, 2024