Press Release

December 02, 2023

EPA Methane Plan a Step Forward for Climate

Methane has more than 80 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide in first 20 years

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Statement by Howard Learner, Executive Director
Environmental Law & Policy Center

“The Environmental Law & Policy Center welcomes EPA’s final standards to reduce methane emissions from the oil and natural gas sectors.

“Clamping down on this dangerous methane pollution is a critical step in the climate fight. Methane has more than 80 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide in the first 20 years. That makes reducing methane emissions one of the most important steps to reduce climate change in the near term. This new EPA rule has much needed protections for the climate and public health.

“Further, reducing methane emissions will also reduce levels of co-emitted pollutants like toxic benzene and volatile organic compounds that can cause cancer. Capturing methane that would otherwise be wasted can increase the natural gas supply without increased drilling.”