CLEAN AIR
EPA Issues Proposed Rule to Reduce Methane Emissions from Existing Oil and Natural Gas Extraction Operations
Last week, the EPA released a new proposed rule to reduce fugitive methane gas emissions from existing oil and natural gas operations. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that is 80 times more potent in trapping heat, over 20 years, than CO2. The oil and natural gas industry is the largest source of methane emissions in the U.S.
The proposed rule will require active monitoring for methane leaks and require more immediate efforts to fix leaks. The proposed rule also requires states to develop plans to address methane emissions from older oil and natural gas operations.
Last Reviewed: November 2022
