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

The PA Environmental Council released this statement on the December 17 action by the Environmental Quality Board to approve regulations to control methane emissions from existing oil and gas operations for public comment--

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today presented a draft rule to cut emissions of methane to the state’s Environmental Quality Board (EQB), kickstarting a rulemaking process that seeks to address climate impacts from the natural gas industry. 

The measure, which will yield both environmental and economic benefits, is a critical piece of Governor Wolf’s Methane Reduction Strategy, and aligns with efforts in other states to cut emissions of the potent greenhouse gas from natural gas development and infrastructure.

“Today, the Governor and Department are following through on their commitment to responsible energy development,” said Davitt Woodwell, President of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC). “We have the technology to cut methane emissions in half at no net cost to producers. This move will allow Pennsylvania to move forward on a necessary path: Deep decarbonization of our energy production and economy that will allow us to compete effectively in the 21st century.”

Major industry players including Shell, BP and Exxon have in the past year voiced their support for methane standards that will allow them to compete more effectively in a global energy marketplace. 

The Center for Methane Emissions Solutions, which represents companies in the methane mitigation sector – many with significant operations and employees here in Pennsylvania – is also on record as championing a framework that will lead to lower emissions and cleaner air.

PEC looks forward to working with the various committees, state legislators, and all stakeholders during the public comment period in the interest of achieving a robust rule that tackles a critical issue for our Commonwealth.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Environmental Council website, visit the PEC Blog, PEC Bill/Regulation Tracker, follow PEC on Twitter or Like PEC on Facebook.  Visit PEC’s Audio Room for the latest podcasts.  Click Here to receive regular updates from PEC.

NewsClips:
DEP Rule To Tackle Air Pollution From Oil & Gas Wells Advances
Ohio Gas Well Explosion 60 Miles From Pittsburgh Leaked More Methane Than Some Countries Emit In A Year
Proposed Northeast Regional Transportation & Climate Initiative Rules Could Drive Up Gasoline Prices 5 To 17 Cents
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

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

[Posted: December 17, 2019] www.PaEnvironmentDigest.com