WHAT WE’RE WORKING ON
In December 2023, EPA announced the finalization of strong protections to cut methane and other hazardous pollutants from new and existing oil and gas operations. This a huge, hard-fought win for Moms Clean Air Force. EPA estimates that from 2024 to 2038 these new protections will reduce methane from covered sources by 80%, the equivalent of taking nearly a billion cars off the road for a year. Today, our focus is ensuring these protections are implemented at the state level and safeguarding the recent progress on methane pollution from Trump administration attacks.
MOMS ACTION
In an effort to actively reduce methane emissions across the country, we:
- EDUCATE For more than a decade, Moms Clean Air Force has been calling out the dangers of methane pollution at in-person and virtual events, in fact sheets and articles on our website, and in the press.
- PETITION Over the two years that EPA worked on federal methane rules for oil and gas operations, our members testified at EPA hearings 100 times and submitted more than 50,000 comments.
- PARTNER We sit on numerous federal and state coalition tables advocating to cut methane emissions and work closely with both national and local nonprofit organizations and agencies to ensure the health of our families is protected from methane pollution.
- AMPLIFY Moms has placed hundreds of articles about methane emissions in regional and national media outlets, including Ms. Magazine, Reader’s Digest, and Public News Service, over the last decade-plus.
- SUCCEED The finalization of strong EPA methane rules after two years of Moms’ advocacy is the biggest success on methane to date. But our work hasn’t stopped. In 2024, our members sent thousands of written comments to EPA about the Methane Emissions Reduction Program and its methane fee and to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration about the Advanced Leak Detection and Repair Rule for gas pipelines.
OUR METHANE EXPERTS
FEATURED RESOURCES
WHY WE CARE
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas. It’s emitted during the production and transport of fossil fuels, like natural gas and oil. It can also be released into the atmosphere from decaying organic waste in landfills, livestock, and certain agricultural practices. One of the most significant sources of methane emissions is leaks from oil and gas operations. Because methane causes warming much faster than carbon dioxide (CO2), cutting methane emissions is critical in the fight to slow down climate warming.
HEALTH IMPACTS
Methane emissions accelerate climate change—and all its associated health impacts too. But methane isn’t the only thing leaking from oil and gas operations. Other harmful air pollutants, like volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and hydrogen sulfide, are also emitted. These co-pollutants can increase the risk of certain cancers, lead to preterm birth and low birth weight, and exacerbate respiratory issues like asthma. Methane and its co-pollutants also contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, a.k.a. smog, which can aggravate asthma and other lung diseases. Smog exposure has also been linked to increased risk of heart attacks and adverse birth outcomes.
Methane is an aggressive climate pollutant, with more
than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide
during the first 20 years it’s in the atmosphere.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Oil and gas operations emit 16 million metric tons of methane annually. Communities living near oil and gas wells are especially vulnerable to the air pollutants they emit. Nearly 18 million individuals in the United States live within one mile of sites with active drilling, including disproportionately large numbers of communities of color, people living below the poverty line, older individuals, and young children. Black communities with greater exposure to air pollution have higher than average childhood asthma rates, and Black children have a 500% higher mortality rate from asthma than white kids.
BACK STORY ON
METHANE EMISSIONS
During our decade of fighting oil and gas pollution, Moms have also battled methane leaks from fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, which is the process of drilling natural gas from shale formations. We worked for years to finalize EPA’s 2016 rule to limit methane emissions from newly built or recently modified oil and gas operations. When the first Trump administration rolled back the 2016 rule, Moms Clean Air Force members spoke at the public hearing against this harmful action. In 2021, Moms worked with Congress to reverse the rollback and reinstate the 2016 methane rule, paving the way for EPA to further strengthen federal methane rules.
In November 2021, EPA came up with preliminary rules to cut methane and other harmful pollutants from new and existing oil and gas operations. Dozens of Moms showed up at a public hearing shortly after to urge EPA to strengthen this proposal—and thousands more Moms submitted written comments. EPA listened and released an updated methane proposal in 2022 that was stronger on leak detection and repair requirements, inspections of small and abandoned wells, and the minimization of highly polluting incidents. Together, these rules were finalized in December 2023. As the Trump administration makes moves to reverse our progress on methane pollution, Moms are ready to fight back.
Moms Clean Air Force also supports state-based efforts to limit harmful methane pollution from oil and gas operations. Some states, namely, Colorado, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania, have already implemented state-based methane protections. Several other states, including California, Ohio, Utah, and Wyoming, have started implementing mechanisms to reduce oil and gas pollution. Moms living in any state with oil and gas operations can demand their elected officials and agencies show leadership in reducing methane pollution from these facilities.
More Resources about Methane

Pennsylvania’s Program to Plug Oil and Gas Wells Is the Good Climate Policy News We All Need Now

Against a Backdrop of Federal Inaction, New Mexico Emerges as Unlikely Leader in Cutting Oil and Gas Pollution

Moms Tell Congress to Stand Up for Commonsense Methane Pollution Protections

President Trump Comes Out Swinging in Favor of Climate Pollution

The Hidden Dangers of Living Near a Landfill

Meet the Retirees Who Are Hunting for Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells in Pennsylvania

Moms Celebrate First Anniversary of Big Methane Milestone

Ask Mom Detective: How Do I Compost?

Moms Tell EPA to Keep Families Safe From Landfill Methane Pollution

Smell That? Your Nose Alone Might Not Detect Natural Gas Leaks

EcoMadres Set the Record Straight on "Natural" Gas

Moms Are Calling on EPA to Set Strong Protections for Existing Gas Power Plants

Gas Pipelines and Your Health

Landfill Methane Pollution

What You Need to Know About Orphaned Wells

How Oil and Gas Operations Impact Your Baby's Health

Methane 101

Información básica sobre el metano

Importance of Methane Safeguards

Commonsense Methane Polluter Fee Is Under Attack

Locating Orphaned and Abandoned Wells in Western Pennsylvania

The Hidden Risks of Natural Gas in Florida's Hispanic Communities

Slashing Colorado's Landfill Methane Emissions

Moms Call on Sec. Buttigieg to Finalize a Strong Advanced Leak Detection Rule for Gas Pipelines

Testimony: Shaina Oliver, Rejecting 17 Proposed Oil and Gas Sites, January 27, 2025

Testimony: Shaina Oliver, Air Pollution Control Division on Landfill Methane Rulemaking, Dec. 18, 2024

Testimony: Laurie Anderson, Air Pollution Control Division on Landfill Methane Rulemaking, Dec. 18, 2024

Testimony: Vanessa Lynch, Comments to Citizens Advisory Council About Pennsylvania Methane Plan, November 12, 2024

Testimony: Shaina Oliver, ECMC Cumulative Impacts Rulemaking, September 4, 2024

Testimony: Laurie Anderson, ECMC Cumulative Impacts Rulemaking, September 4, 2024

Testimony: Almeta Cooper, Advanced Leak Detection and Repair Rule, March 26, 2024

Testimony: Moms Clean Air Force, National Environmental Youth Advisory Council, March 2024

Testimony: Vanessa Lynch, EPA’s Methane Emissions Reduction Program, February 12, 2024

Testimony: Patrice Tomcik, EPA’s Methane Emissions Reduction Program, February 12, 2024

Testimony: Celerah Hewes, EPA’s Methane Emissions Reduction Program, February 12, 2024

Testimony: Lucia Valentine, EPA’s Methane Emissions Reduction Program, February 12, 2024

Tell Congress: Defend EPA’s Ability to Protect Human Health and the Environment

Tell Administrator Zeldin: Cutting Climate Pollution Is One of EPA’s Most Important Jobs

Tell Congress: Freezing Federal Funding Hurts Children

Tell New Mexico Lawmakers: Lead on Climate Safety

Tell Alliant Energy: Wisconsin Families Want Clean Energy

Tell Governor Shapiro: Pennsylvania Families Want a Strong Methane Plan

Tell the Arizona Corporation Commission: Invest in Local Clean Energy

Tell Nevada Lawmakers and Utility Regulators: Invest in Local Clean Energy

Tell Your Governor: Take the Lead on Climate Action
2025
Environmental project uses drones to 'hunt' for health threats lurking in state parks: 'There were just so many of them'
Families deserve a healthy future — and that means clean air
Gov. Shapiro Marks Milestone Of Plugging 300 Abandoned Conventional Oil & Gas Wells Over 2 Years; New Technology Finding More Abandoned Wells
Moms Clean Air Force To DEP: Families In Washington County Are Already Living In The Middle Of Major Natural Gas Industrial Sites - Do Not Expand The Harmon Creek Natural Gas Processing Plant And Make It Worse
Community Speaks Out Against Expansion Of Harmon Creek Natural Gas Processing Plant In Washington County
'When Big Oil Says Jump, Republicans Ask How High?' GOP Sends Climate-Killing Bill to Trump's Desk
2024
Colorado’s opportunity to lead on EPA methane rule implementation | OPINION
Our children’s health isn’t partisan. Pennsylvanians need strong pollution protections from fracking now.
In a state that could decide the election, fracking is far more than just a political issue
Well, well, well: Taxpayers pay the price for oil and gas wells leaking methane as multiple entities work to plug them
Drones to be used to locate orphaned and abandoned wells
Innovative project to use drones to ID orphan, abandoned wells in Pa.
Innovative project to identify orphan, abandoned wells; open house Thursday in Smethport
Groundbreaking Initiative Using Drones To Locate Orphan, Abandoned Conventional Oil & Gas Wells In Pennsylvania Kicks Off
An eye in the sky will seek old oil, gas wells
Environmental Defense Fund, Moms Clean Air Force To Hold Public Meetings In 3 Northwest PA Counties On A Project To Test New Methods Of Locating Abandoned Conventional Oil, Gas Wells
Advocates Working to Reduce Methane Gas Leaks
Georgia’s natural gas pipelines are due for repair, says activist group
Colorado takes steps to reduce greenhouse gas from garbage
Polluted air threatens the health of New Mexico infants
Why the dream kitchen shouldn’t include a gas stove
Moms Clean Air Force celebrate stronger pollution rules
Letter to the editor: Curbing methane will help clean our air
How much methane is Colorado’s oil and gas industry discharging? Regulators will soon start measuring.
Environmental And Safety Advocates Deliver Thousands Of Public Comments To U.S. Department of Transportation, Calling For Rapid Finalization of Stronger Standards to Address Pipeline Methane Leaks
Study: Methane pollution from oil and gas production greatly underestimated
Advocates push for swift update of gas pipeline safety rules
Vanessa Lynch: Celebrating EPA's new oil and gas safeguards
2023
Why One Mother Is Celebrating New Federal Methane Reduction Rules
Environmental groups react to new methane rule
New EPA rule slashes methane emissions from oil and gas industry
EPA Finalizes Rule To Reduce Methane Emissions From Oil & Gas Infrastructure; DEP’s Oil & Gas Methane Regulations 1 Year Old
Public health costs of oil, natural gas drilling
Report: Ohioans Feel the Health Impacts of Oil, Gas Production
Clean-energy homes will help Nevadans struggling to afford gas bills
Clean-energy homes will help Nevadans struggling to afford gas bills
Colorado Democrats weaken oil and gas permitting bill after facing opposition from Gov. Jared Polis
Eddy County oil and gas drives some of the worst air pollution in New Mexico, study says
EPA proposing stricter regulations on oil, gas operations to reduce climate pollution
EPA’S PROPOSED METHANE REGULATIONS MEANT TO IMPROVE OHIO AIR QUALITY
EPA Aims to Improve Ohio Air Quality With Proposed Methane Regulations
EPA’s Proposed Methane Regulations Meant to Improve Ohio Air Quality
EPA’s Proposed Methane Regulations Meant to Improve Ohio Air Quality
Local Opinion: Protect our families, reject Southwest Gas rate increase
2022
Pennsylvanians support measures to stop greenhouse gas emissions that pollute the air | Opinion
Environmental groups cheer tighter methane emission rules
EPA Unveils Proposed Methane Pollution Reduction Standards Covering Oil & Gas Facilities, Including Conventional Oil & Gas Wells
New Climate Bill to Tackle Texas Methane Emissions
Denver advocates call for action against methane emissions
Denver advocates call for action against methane emissions
Denver advocates call for action against methane emissions
Shell’s $6 Billion “Cracker” Plant Part of “Ponzi Scheme for Natural Gas”, Critic Says
California Just Banned Gas Cars—Will Your State Ban Them Next?
Shell’s $6 Billion ‘Cracker’ Plant Part of ‘Ponzi Scheme for Natural Gas,’ Critic Says
New Climate Bill to Tackle Texas Methane Emissions
PA Environmental Council/Environmental Defense Fund + 12 Other Groups: HB 2644 Unjustifiably Limits Bonding For Oil & Gas Wells, Risks Eligibility For Federal Well Plugging Funds
House Select Climate Crisis Committee Hearing on Methane Pollution
Researchers Question Cost-benefit of Methane Emissions from Low-Producing Oil and Gas Wells
Ohio's Low-Producing Wells Leave Huge Methane Footprint
State board adopts rules regulating emissions from oil, natural gas relating to ozone
2021
Pa. releases final rule to cut methane leaks from oil, gas wells
Power Play: How Southwest Gas beat back efforts by environmentalists to start moving Nevada away from natural gas
2020
Nevada climate strategy outlines framework to phase out natural gas, electrify transportation
2019
New Dark Money Groups Sound a Lot Like the Natural Gas Industry
‘The empowerment alliance’ and other new dark money groups sound a lot like the natural gas industry
‘The Empowerment Alliance’ and Other New Dark Money Groups Sound a Lot Like the Natural Gas Industry
2017
Environmental Advocates Urge Gov. Wolf To Advance Methane Pollution Standards For Natural Gas Sector
2016
Citizens oppose massive gas compressor for pipeline in Buckingham County
U.S. EPA releases rules on methane emissions from new oil, natural gas wells; rules on existing wells may be next
Environmental groups look for greater distance between wells and people
Wolf announces plan to reduce methane emissions at gas wells
2015
U.S. EPA releases plan to curtail methane emissions from oil, gas wells, pipelines, processing plants, storage facilities
New DEP rules for shallow oil and gas wells draw industry ire
2013
Locals receive training to test air quality associated with fracking, injection wells
Group signs on locals to test air quality near injection wells

Gas Pipelines and Your Health

Landfill Methane Pollution

What You Need to Know About Orphaned Wells

How Oil and Gas Operations Impact Your Baby's Health

Methane 101

Información básica sobre el metano

Importance of Methane Safeguards

Commonsense Methane Polluter Fee Is Under Attack

Tell Congress: Defend EPA’s Ability to Protect Human Health and the Environment

Pennsylvania’s Program to Plug Oil and Gas Wells Is the Good Climate Policy News We All Need Now

Against a Backdrop of Federal Inaction, New Mexico Emerges as Unlikely Leader in Cutting Oil and Gas Pollution
