EPA Gives Polluters a Pass, the Harm to People will Keep Coming

Background: Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized yet another delay to the national methane pollution standards for new and existing oil and gas facilities, known as Section 111 OOOOb/c of the Clean Air Act. The compliance deadline is now set for 360 days from the publication of the final rule in the Federal Register. These safeguards were designed to cut methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and reduce toxic air pollution from oil and gas operations, including smog-forming volatile organic compounds and benzene, a known carcinogen. This delay allows industry to continue polluting unchecked, putting frontline communities and the climate at even greater risk.

Statement by Earthworks Policy Director Lauren Pagel:

“This final delay is indefensible and illegal. The Trump administration has once again chosen polluters over people, sacrificing the health of communities and climate to serve the fossil fuel industry. 

“Every day national methane rules are delayed means more methane in the air, more toxic pollution in our lungs, and more irreversible climate damage. After years of scientific work and public engagement, this administration’s decision to delay methane pollution standards implementation yet again is a blatant act of climate denial and disregard for public health. The EPA’s job is to protect people, not pad the pockets of oil and gas executives.”