March 4, 2025

Congress Votes to Repeal Methane Protections: What This Means for Ohio

This blog is part of our “Cut Methane” series.

In a disappointing turn of events, Congress has voted 220-206 in the House and 52-47 in the Senate to repeal the rule implementing the Waste Emissions Charge (WEC), a key part of the Methane Emissions Reduction Program. This measure was designed to cut excessive waste, secure American energy, create jobs, and hold major oil and gas polluters accountable. Instead of supporting these common-sense protections, Congress has given large polluters a free pass while leaving taxpayers and communities to bear the consequences.

This decision has significant implications for Ohioans, particularly for public health, energy security, and economic growth. While the fight to curb methane pollution continues, staying engaged is more important than ever.

What This Vote Means for Ohio

Increased Pollution, Increased Health Risks

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with over 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide in its first two decades in the atmosphere. The WEC would have helped cut methane waste from the oil and gas sector, reducing the release of dangerous co-pollutants like benzene and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to asthma, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

By voting to repeal this rule, Congress has made it even harder for Ohio communities, especially those in Appalachia, Southeast Ohio, and areas near oil and gas facilities, to receive the protections they need from harmful air pollution.

Billions of Dollars in Wasted Energy

Every year, the U.S. loses more than $1 billion worth of methane through leaks, venting, and flaring—waste that could have been captured and used to heat homes and power businesses. In Ohio alone, methane leaks cost an estimated $93 million annually in lost resources and revenue.

By overturning the rule, Congress has ensured that oil and gas companies can continue this waste unchecked, with taxpayers and consumers footing the bill for lost energy and rising environmental costs.

A Missed Opportunity for Job Growth

The methane mitigation industry is rapidly growing, providing critical economic opportunities while reducing pollution. Since 2017, manufacturing and service firms in the methane mitigation sector have increased by 24%, with employee locations growing by 39%. Today, over 269 companies across the U.S. provide leak detection, repair, and emissions control services at more than 1,000 locations nationwide.

The WEC would have expanded this industry by incentivizing oil and gas companies to invest in emissions-reducing technologies and create more high-quality, good-paying jobs. Instead, by voting to repeal this safeguard, Congress has ignored a growing sector that protects our environment and strengthens our economy.

Oil and Gas Companies Get a Free Pass

For years, oil and gas companies have promised to reduce methane pollution but have failed to make meaningful progress. The WEC was designed to ensure they met reasonable, industry-set pollution targets. Instead, Congress has eliminated a key accountability measure, allowing polluters to continue business as usual with no consequences.

This decision puts communities at further risk while rewarding bad actors in the fossil fuel industry at the expense of taxpayers, workers, and families.

What’s Next? Stay Engaged with OEC

77 environmental organizations signed a letter urging Congress to protect the methane polluter fee, emphasizing the need for strong methane safeguards to prevent waste, protect public health, and create economic opportunities. This letter underscored the urgency of keeping major oil and gas polluters accountable rather than granting them exemptions that endanger communities and taxpayers. Despite Congress voting to repeal these protections, OEC remains committed to advocating for policies that safeguard Ohio’s air and energy future.

Here’s how you can stay involved:

• Stay Informed
  Follow OEC for updates on methane regulations and ways you can take action.
• Engage on Social Media
  Use #CutMethane to raise awareness and call for stronger protections.
• Support Local and State Action
  Ohio can still implement state-level policies to curb methane waste. Support local initiatives aimed at reducing emissions.

While this vote is a disappointing setback, Ohioans are not giving up. By staying informed and engaged, we can continue pushing for meaningful climate action and hold our leaders accountable. Join us in the fight to protect our communities, air, and future.