Earthworks: Wolf Proposal To Reduce Oil & Gas Methane Pollution Step In Right Direction

Earthworks Pennsylvania and Ohio Field Advocate Leann Leiter issued this statement on Gov. Wolf's proposal to limit air pollution from existing oil and gas operations in Pennsylvania--

"Governor Wolf’s proposed new oil and gas air pollution safeguards signal his administration’s recognition of the reality faced by all Pennsylvanians: oil and gas production harms health and climate. 

“This milestone proposal is a step in the right direction because it requires operators to take actions that will help reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) and methane pollution. 

"However, Pennsylvania’s ability to meaningfully cut climate pollution and protect health is challenged by constant industry expansion. 

“True climate leadership demands that any pollution reduction measures address the overall impact of the oil and gas sector and help achieve science-based, climate emission targets.

"In light of the climate crisis and the Trump administration’s proposed rollbacks of national pollution safeguards, strong action by fossil fuel-producing states like Pennsylvania has never been more critical to limiting global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees C. 

“We look forward to working with residents, partners, elected officials, and the Wolf administration to ensure that the final rules reflect this fact."

For more information, visit the Earthworks website.  Questions should be directed to Justin Wasser by calling 202-887-1872 x137 or send email to: jwasser@earthworks.org. 

(Photo: Emissions from conventional gas well in McKean County using FLIR camera.)

Earthworks Resources:

-- EarthBLOG on impacts to Pennsylvania of Trump's rollback of EPA methane safeguards. 

-- Optical gas images (OGI) of oil and gas pollution in Pennsylvania.

-- Oil and gas threat map that shows over 1.5 million Pennsylvanians within a ½ mile threat radius of oil and gas development, more than 300,000 of them school children.

Related Articles:

EQB Approves For Comment Regulations Controlling Methane Emissions From Existing Oil & Gas Operations, Setting Manganese Water Quality Standard

DEP Estimates Proposed Methane Regs Approved By EQB Will Reduce Methane Emissions From Oil & Gas Operations By 75,000+ Tons/Year

Marcellus Shale Coalition Comments On Proposed DEP Methane Reduction Rule From Oil & Gas Operations

PA Climate Caucus Members In House Laud Action On Proposed Rule To Reduce Methane Emissions From Oil & Gas Operations

PA Environmental Council: Pennsylvania Is Taking Concrete Action On Methane Emissions From Oil & Gas Operations

Environmental Defense Fund, Clean Air Council Applaud EQB Action On Proposed Regulation Controlling Emissions From Existing Oil & Gas Facilities

[Posted: December 21, 2019]  www.PaEnvironmentDigest.com