The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized an interim rule to delay protections aimed at limiting methane emissions from the oil and gas industry. This decision follows a similar action taken by the EPA in July, which faced opposition from several health organizations.
Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, responded to the EPA’s final rule with concern. "The American Lung Association is disappointed by this final rule, in which EPA is delaying protections to reduce methane emissions. EPA took interim action to delay these protections in July, which the Lung Association strongly opposed. Now, EPA is finalizing those delays. It’s deeply disappointing to see that rather than listening to the comments from health-focused organizations and community members urging EPA to abandon the delay, EPA has instead formalized putting families’ health at risk," Wimmer stated.
He further explained that methane contributes significantly to climate change and public health risks: "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. Methane leaks at every stage of oil and gas production. This not only carries environmental consequences, but leaks can also release harmful pollutants like volatile organic compounds that worsen air quality and carcinogens like benzene and formaldehyde."
Wimmer criticized the decision as benefiting polluters while increasing risks for communities: "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. The American Lung Association will continue to call for the implementation of strong, science-based standards to protect the air we all breathe and ensure healthier futures for families across the country."
