This was written by Patrice Tomcik, National Field Manager, Moms Clean Air Force:
This week is your last chance to tell EPA to finalize the strongest possible protections from methane pollution from oil and gas operations. The comment period for EPA’s methane rule closes on January 31. Submit your comment today!
Methane emissions are a major source of harmful climate pollution, responsible for 25% of the global warming we’re experiencing today. Plus, the pollutants that accompany methane emissions from oil and gas operations pose major health risks to our families.
Moms have been on the front lines of the fight to cut methane pollution from the oil and gas industry for 10 years because our families and our communities are feeling the impacts of this pollution every day. Over 17 million people in the US — including my children, who attend school half a mile from fracked gas wells in southwestern Pennsylvania — live, work, and play within a mile of active oil and gas wells.
And the tragic reality is that air pollution from oil and gas operations is not distributed evenly. Black, Latino, and Tribal communities face an increased risk of serious health issues exacerbated by polluting oil and gas operations and inadequate access to quality health care.
Communities all across the country need EPA to finalize strong and comprehensive rules. These rules must cover all sources of oil and gas operations, including low-producing wells; eliminate routine flaring; and replace equipment with nonpolluting options like pneumatic controllers.