Statement: Biden admin. announces critical rule to limit methane, a potent climate pollutant

Statement: Biden admin. announces critical rule to limit methane, a potent climate pollutant

New policy will reduce dangerous climate and air pollution from oil, gas drilling in Pennsylvania, nationwide

PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized on Saturday new safeguards for dangerous methane pollution that are expected to dramatically cut harmful air pollution and global warming emissions from fracking and oil and gas operations in Pennsylvania and across the United States. During the EPA’s public comment period about the proposal, thousands of Pennsylvanians spoke out in support of stronger protections that will require fossil fuel companies to cut their methane pollution. EPA estimates that from 2024 to 2038 the standards will reduce methane from covered sources by 80%, protecting our health and helping to tackle climate change.

In response, Flora Cardoni, field director with PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center, released the following statement:

“The new protections announced by the EPA today are a breath of fresh air. These standards will lower the emissions of harmful methane pollution from frackers and the oil and gas industry that have been putting our health and climate at risk.

“This policy adds to the Biden administration’s extensive legacy of strong solutions to help the nation reduce fossil fuel emissions and rein in climate change. We applaud President Biden and his team for championing this rule. Now, we look forward to working with them on more protections to clean up our air, protect our health and fight climate change.

“PennEnvironment also looks forward to working with the Shapiro administration to ensure that these policies are fully implemented, so that communities across Pennsylvania reap the health, climate and environmental benefits.

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The PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center is dedicated to protecting our air, water and open spaces. We work to protect the places we love, advance the environmental values we share, and win real results for our environment. For more information, visit www.pennenvironmencenter.org.