Pennsylvania takes important step toward statewide methane standards

• Economic opportunity: Pennsylvania is the nation’s second largest natural gas producer. Strong methane standards will prevent wasted gas, improve industry efficiency and help maintain the long-term competitiveness of the Commonwealth’s energy sector. 
• Health and climate benefits: Decreasing methane leaks will cut one of the most powerful drivers of near-term warming while also reducing harmful air pollutants released alongside methane, improving air quality and protecting communities near oil and gas operations. 
• What’s next: EDF looks forward to working with DEP and stakeholders throughout the rulemaking process to develop practical, science-based standards that address the Commonwealth’s largest sources of methane pollution while providing appropriate flexibility for smaller operators.  

HARRISBURG, PA [July 24, 2026] - Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) today applauded Governor Josh Shapiro, Secretary Jessica Shirley and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for taking a critical step to reduce methane from the Commonwealth’s oil and gas industry.

In today’s semi-annual update to the Regulatory Agenda, DEP proposed two rulemakings to regulate methane emissions from new and existing sources at conventional and unconventional oil and gas well sites.  Utilizing their authority under the Air Pollution Control Act (APCA), DEP will outline their approach at the August 6 Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee (AQTAC) and proposed to submit draft rules to the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) in 2027.  

This action marks an important milestone for Pennsylvania, the nation's second-largest producer of natural gas. While the rulemaking process will take time, it signals the Commonwealth's commitment to addressing methane pollution, protecting communities and preventing the needless waste of American energy.  

"Governor Shapiro has taken a critical next step toward comprehensive protections that cut methane emissions,” said John Rutecki, Regulatory and Legislative Manager, Appalachia, Michigan and Wyoming, Environmental Defense Fund. “By enacting comprehensive rules, that reduce emissions from low-producing well sites and bring stakeholders to the table, Pennsylvania can demonstrate climate leadership that reduces pollution, protects public health and supports a thriving and competitive energy industry.” 

Methane has over 80 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide and is the primary component of natural gas, Pennsylvania's most valuable energy resource. In 2023 alone, the Commonwealth's oil and gas industry emitted over one million metric tons of methane or roughly $178 million-worth of natural gas - into the atmosphere. Capturing more of that gas means more energy reaching consumers at a time of sky-high energy prices instead of being wasted. 

Recent measurement data from the Appalachian Methane Initiative show where the greatest opportunities for emissions reductions exists. While some higher-producing well sites have achieved low methane loss rates through modern technology and operating practices, low-producing well sites are responsible for about half of emissions, despite contributing only a small amount to total production in Pennsylvania. Addressing low-producing well-site emissions is essential to achieving meaningful climate pollution reductions across Pennsylvania's oil and gas sector. 

“A well-designed methane rule can recognize operational differences, provide cost-effective compliance options for smaller operators, and ensure deep reductions in methane emissions,” said Rutecki.   

Reducing methane pollution also positions Pennsylvania for long-term success in rapidly evolving energy markets. As demand grows from liquefied natural gas exports, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and new data centers, buyers are increasingly seeking cleaner sources of energy. Strong statewide standards can help Pennsylvania producers can improve the economic competitiveness in domestic and international markets that shift toward low-methane intensity gas. 

Beyond the economic benefits, reducing methane emissions will improve air quality by reducing ozone-forming volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants such as benzene and toluene released alongside methane, benefiting the more than 1 million Pennsylvanians who live within a half-mile of oil and gas development. 

“Today’s action begins an important public process,” said Rutecki. “EDF looks forward to working with the DEP, industry, policymakers and stakeholders to develop practical standards that reduce waste, strengthen Pennsylvania's energy economy, improve air quality and ensure every major source of methane emissions is properly addressed,” said Rutecki.