Pennsylvania announces new rules to curb methane pollution

Media Contacts
Rachel Richardson

Environment America

Harrisburg, PA — Today Governor Tom Wolf, Democrat of Pennsylvania, announced new rules to curb oil and gas emissions of methane in the state, the second largest producer of natural gas in the country. Drilling and fracking operations nationwide are the single largest source of the greenhouse gas pollutant, which is many times more potent than carbon dioxide. 

The new rules address methane leaks and emissions from wells, facilities, compressor stations and pipelines in the state, and, unlike federal rules proposed by the Obama administration, are intended to cover existing as well as new sources.

Rachel Richardson, director of Environment America’s Stop Drilling Program, issued the following statement in response:

“The massive leak at the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility in California shows how methane poses huge threats both to our climate and our health. The rules Gov. Wolf introduced today are a positive step forward to limit this dangerous pollutant.

“We hope the Obama administration will follow in the footsteps of states like Pennsylvania and Colorado, and extend its proposed methane rule to existing sources.

“While restricting methane emissions is an important bandage, it is not a cure. The best way to protect our children’s future from this health-threatening pollution is to limit drilling and fracking, and transition to 100 percent clean energy.”