We have to drastically reduce methane, and soon. Methane is a huge driver of climate disruption and, alongside other toxic gas from oil and gas production, pollutes the air our children breathe. The largest industrial source of methane is oil and gas companies, so these companies can make a big impact on reducing climate heating if they take steps to reduce emissions now.
To ensure oil and gas companies act quickly, the Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP) will assess a fee on the largest oil and gas operators if they exceed the federal methane emissions standard. EPA is accepting comments right now on MERP.
We have the technology to solve this: zero-emitting process controllers and advanced monitoring techniques can reduce and eliminate methane emissions from oil and gas operations. But not all the largest oil and gas companies have implemented these solutions yet. The prospect of paying a fine will make sure they act swiftly to cut methane.
Families who live near oil and gas operations suffer from the greatest impacts of methane and other associated air pollutants. All families suffer from the methane that goes into the atmosphere and heats our climate. We need to get methane under control now, and one of the best tools EPA has is the authority to make companies pay a fee if they continue to pollute.
EPA needs to hear that you support the Methane Emissions Reduction Program. Send a message today.