Media Contact:
Justin Wasser, jwasser@earthworks.org
Background: On July 29th, 2025, the EPA formally announced a rule extending the deadline for compliance for national methane standards for new and existing oil and gas facilities, known as Section 111, OOOOb/c of the Clean Air Act. In addition to harming efforts to slow climate warming, the delay will have negative impacts on public health since emissions that would have been reduced include health-harming toxics, including smog-forming volatile organic compounds and pollutants such as benzene, which is known to cause cancer.
Statement by Earthworks Policy Director Lauren Pagel:
“The Trump administration has chosen to abandon efforts to cut methane pollution in any meaningful way. This puts the health of frontline communities at risk, accelerates climate damage, and marks a dangerous step backward in the fight for clean air and a livable planet.”
“Delaying implementation of common-sense methane pollution standards is a perverse gift to the fossil fuel industry. It rejects years-long efforts by the agency, scientists, advocacy organizations, frontline communities, and industry to make methane emissions reductions more effective. It’s a huge step backward for our health and our climate.”