US COURT OF APPEALS REJECTS ATTEMPT TO BLOCK CRITICAL METHANE POLLUTION RULES

PENNSYLVANIA (July 9, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit blocked the attempt by several states, along with oil and gas trade associations, to stay, or block, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) methane standards for the oil and gas industry. Methane, more than 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over the short term, is a critical target for climate pollution emissions reduction efforts. Human-caused methane emissions currently account for about 30 percent of global warming, with the oil and gas industry being one of the largest sources of methane emissions. The EPA standards would prevent millions of tons of climate warming methane from being emitted. In Pennsylvania, nearly 2 million residents live in proximity to oil and gas operations.

Matt Walker, Clean Air Council Advocacy Director, issued the following statement:

“The court’s decision ensures that EPA’s much-needed methane standards can continue to move forward, better protecting the health of Pennsylvania residents living close to oil and gas operations, and cutting methane at a time when our country is experiencing the dire effects of climate change.”