American Lung Association: EPA Delaying Protections Against Methane Puts Health at Risk

This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an interim final rule to delay vital safeguards that limit methane pollution from the oil and gas industry. In response, the American Lung Association’s President and CEO Harold Wimmer issued the following statement:

“EPA’s announcement represents a dangerous step backward for public health and clean air. Methane, often mislabeled as ‘natural’ gas, is a primary driver of health-harming climate change that puts families across the country at risk from extreme weather events, wildfires, vector-borne diseases and more. Delaying protections that reduce methane pollution puts families’ health at risk.

“This move is a gift to polluters and a direct attack on the communities who will bear the brunt of dirtier air and a warming planet. Methane leaks at every stage of oil and gas production, carrying not only environmental consequences but also harmful pollutants that worsen air quality and hurt lung health. EPA admits that the delay will allow 3.8 million tons of methane pollution, 960,000 tons of volatile organic compounds and 36,000 tons of other toxic air pollutants that would have been avoided. EPA’s actions today directly contradict their mission to protect human health and the environment.

 “Let’s be clear, commonsense methane protections are essential to clean air progress and safeguarding public health. Methane leaks from oil and gas operations contribute to harmful air pollutants that worsen respiratory conditions and endanger vulnerable populations. The American Lung Association will defend these strong, science-based standards to protect the air we all breathe and ensure healthier futures for families across the country.”