Frivolous Lawsuit Puts Politics Ahead of Progress on Methane Pollution

Today, Ohio joined several other states in a lawsuit challenging the U.S. EPA’s standards to curb methane pollution from the oil and gas industry. The oil and gas industry has been leaking millions of tons of methane pollution, speeding up climate change and threatening our communities, while also emitting large amounts of smog- and soot-forming pollution and toxic chemicals. These industrial leaks are like an invisible oil spill happening every day. In response to Ohio joining this lawsuit, the Ohio Environmental Council’s Executive Director Heather Taylor-Miesle, issued the following statement.

“We’re disappointed that Attorney General DeWine is ignoring the health and safety of Ohioans so the oil and gas industry can keep belching pollution into our air. Ohio should be a champion in advancing common sense protections for our families and communities. This frivolous lawsuit is another sad attempt to put politics ahead of progress”

In June, the Environmental Protection Agency finalized its first limits for dangerous methane pollution from new and modified oil and gas operations. The methane standards are firmly grounded in law, science, and economics.  In fact, the EPA is fulfilling its mandatory duty under the Clean Air Act to protect the public from dangerous methane pollution and other harmful air emissions from new oil and gas operations.