Press Release

OEC Applauds House Passage of Resolution to Reinstate Methane Pollution Safeguards

Washington, D.C. — Members of the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution today that will reinstate the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2016 methane pollution safeguards on the oil and gas industry. The Senate passed a similar resolution in April. 

The following quote can be attributed to Miranda Leppla, Vice President of Energy Policy for the Ohio Environmental Council:

“The combined effort by our legislative body to address rampant methane pollution demonstrates its commitment toward addressing our worsening climate crisis. We recognize and celebrate the impact that reinstating these rules will have on the health and safety of Ohioans and our planet.

“These safeguards received both bipartisan support and the approval of leading energy industry leaders including Shell, Equinor, and BP. Methane is a greenhouse gas with 80 times the potency of carbon dioxide in the short-term and is responsible for a quarter of the global warming that we are experiencing today. Air pollution emitted alongside methane can trigger asthma attacks, harm lung development in children, and can increase the risk of developing lung cancer. This is a far-reaching issue as oil and gas facilities leak 16.2 million metric tons of methane a year and around one quarter of Ohioans reside near active wells and are vulnerable to these pollutants. 

“Reinstating methane safeguards is just the first step in our journey to cut methane pollution from new and existing oil and gas operations by 65 percent of 2012 levels by 2025. The U.S. already has the tools and technology to make this a realistic goal to achieve at a low cost. The health of our communities and our environment depend on it.”

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The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) is the state’s most comprehensive and effective environmental advocate for a healthier, more sustainable Ohio. The OEC develops and ensures the implementation of forward-thinking, science-based, pragmatic solutions to secure healthy air, land, and water for all who call Ohio home.

Press Inquiries? Contact ebacha<at>theoec.org