September 8, 2015 Broad Set of Voices Agree: EPA’s Proposed Methane Pollution Standard is Common Sense
BreakingEnergy.com – The Environmental Defense Fund Energy Exchange Blog
September 8, 2015 by Felice Stadler – Originally Published on September 3, 2015
Last month, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the first-ever nationwide standards to reduce methane pollution from the oil and gas industry. It’s a common sense move: With its potent global warming power and low-cost solutions, cutting methane is the biggest bargain for greenhouse gas reductions in the energy business.
The array of supporters speaking out in favor of the proposal underscores just how smart, practical and doable EPA’s move is. Applause has come from voices as diverse as citizens impacted by oil and gas development and investors to government leaders in the heart of oil and gas country.
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Many communities experience the problem daily, and welcomed EPA’s action. Theodora Bird Bear, resident of Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota, and Chair of the Western Organization of Resource Councils Oil and Gas Campaign Team recollected that “…recently, while driving home across western North Dakota, the need for strong rules became very clear as I counted 80 active gas flares in a 40-mile stretch of my drive. This rule is not only a major step towards helping to improve the health of my neighbors on the Fort Berthold Reservation, but this rule is also a major step towards helping improve the air quality for all Americans living near oil and gas wells.”