EPA proposes tougher action on oil and gas methane pollution

AUSTIN – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today it is strengthening its proposed standards to cut methane and other harmful air pollution. Environment Texas Research and Policy Center Executive Director Luke Metzger released the following statement in response:

“Here in Texas, the leading oil and gas producer and methane emitter in the country,  people and the environment need strong methane regulations from the EPA.  The proposed rules announced today take meaningful steps forward by phasing out heavily polluting equipment like pneumatic controllers and providing for regular inspections at smaller wells with leak-prone equipment.  Methane reductions associated with these provisions will help to address the climate crisis and protect the health and safety of communities in Texas and across the country.  But across Texas, companies are setting fire to natural gas produced at oil wells at astonishing rates.  This routine flaring is wasteful and harmful to Texas communities and our climate and we call on EPA to strengthen its proposal to eliminate this pollution and finalize the strongest possible rule in early 2023. There is no time to waste.”