The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced an interim final rule that will delay the implementation of safeguards aimed at limiting methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. The decision has prompted a response from public health advocates.
Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, expressed concern over the EPA’s move. “EPA’s announcement represents a dangerous step backward for public health and clean air. Methane, often mislabeled as ‘natural’ gas, is a primary driver of health-harming climate change that puts families across the country at risk from extreme weather events, wildfires, vector-borne diseases and more. Delaying protections that reduce methane pollution puts families’ health at risk,” Wimmer said.
He further stated: “This move is a gift to polluters and a direct attack on the communities who will bear the brunt of dirtier air and a warming planet. Methane leaks at every stage of oil and gas production, carrying not only environmental consequences but also harmful pollutants that worsen air quality and hurt lung health. EPA admits that the delay will allow 3.8 million tons of methane pollution, 960,000 tons of volatile organic compounds and 36,000 tons of other toxic air pollutants that would have been avoided. EPA’s actions today directly contradict their mission to protect human health and the environment.”
Wimmer added: “Let’s be clear, commonsense methane protections are essential to clean air progress and safeguarding public health. Methane leaks from oil and gas operations contribute to harmful air pollutants that worsen respiratory conditions and endanger vulnerable populations. The American Lung Association will defend these strong, science-based standards to protect the air we all breathe and ensure healthier futures for families across the country.”
Methane is recognized as a potent greenhouse gas contributing significantly to climate change impacts such as extreme weather events and deteriorating air quality across many regions.
