Methane pollution from the oil and gas sector is accelerating the pace of the climate crisis and harming the health of our families and communities—and the problem is only getting worse.
Methane Pollution Exacerbates Climate Change
Methane is the second largest contributor to the human-caused climate crisis after carbon dioxide. Methane has more than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over the first 20 years after it reaches the atmosphere. Even though CO2 has a longer-lasting effect, methane sets the pace for warming in the near term.
Methane Pollution Hurts Marginalized Communities
Communities of color, poor and low income neighborhoods, and other marginalized groups are disproportionately harmed by the toxic pollution carried out by the fossil fuel industry. A 2017 report by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Clean Air Task Force notes that compared to other states nationwide, Ohio has the second highest number of Black folks living within a half mile radius of oil and gas facilities, posing a direct threat to the wellbeing of approximately one in five Black Ohioans.
Our Advocacy Helps Create Change
From the state to the federal level, the OEC continues to advocate for policies and programs to cut dangerous methane emissions. We continue to advocate for stronger regulations to hold the oil and gas industry accountable for their promises to reduce methane pollutants and address the climate crisis. Alongside advocates like you, we’ll continue to make strides to cut dangerous methane emissions.
