This is our last chance to speak directly to EPA and urge them to drop this proposal, which would give the oil and gas industry a pass to pollute.
On Nov. 16, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a virtual public hearing on their proposal for rolling back methane regulations.
This is our last chance to speak directly to EPA and urge them to drop this proposal, which would give the oil and gas industry a pass to pollute.
Public comment helps show that communities across the country are paying attention and demanding accountability.
You do not need to be a lawyer, scientist, or policy expert to participate. Personal stories and community concerns matter.
Quick Start: How to Participate
Step 1: Register for the EPA hearing
- Speaking slots may fill up.
Monday, November 16, 2026
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. – 10 p.m. PT
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. – 8 p.m PT
Step 2: Prepare your public comment
Your public comment can be short and simple. You can:
- Read directly from prepared notes
- Speak conversationally
- Share personal concerns
- Use the talking points below
- Combine personal experience with broader concerns
Public comment is limited to 4 minutes, but even a short statement can make a difference. A good rule of thumb:
- 1 minute ≈ 150 words
- 4 minutes ≈ 500 words
Step 3: Deliver your public comment virtually
You can testify from:
- Your computer
- Your phone
You do not need to stay for the entire hearing.
During the hearing:
- You will likely wait in a virtual queue until your name is called.
- Your microphone will be muted until it is your turn.
- You may simply read your prepared remarks aloud.
Step 4: Send us your public comment
Once you prepare your public comment, please send us a copy so we can better understand how supporters are engaging and help track participation.
We are incredibly thankful for your effort in this work. Thank you.
What EPA is Proposing
The Trump administration is trying to give the oil and gas industry a pass on methane pollution.
Trump’s EPA released a draft rule that significantly weakens standards that require oil and gas producers to:
- Reduce their pollution
- Find and fix methane leaks
- End wasteful burning off of methane gas
They are unlawfully prioritizing oil and gas interests at the expense of our health, climate, and economy. Communities who live near oil and gas operations will pay the price with their health and welfare, while companies forgo common-sense operational safeguards.
Methane is also 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. Almost 30% of the planet’s climate emissions can be attributed to methane. It drives extreme weather like worsening floods, wildfires, and heat waves from climate change.
Rolling back methane regulations doesn't make pollution less harmful — but it does clear the way for fossil fuel companies to continue raking in profits while Americans pay in health consequences and extreme weather events.
Why Your Public Comment Matters
Public comment helps:
- Demonstrate widespread opposition to the rollback
- Build a strong public record
- Shows EPA that communities are paying attention
- Elevate the experiences and concerns of people affected by extreme weather driven by methane pollution
- Push back against industry pressure
Key Talking Points
- EPA has a legal obligation to protect us from air pollution that endangers public health and welfare — including greenhouse gases that are driving climate change.
- Harmful pollution from oil and gas operations can contribute to asthma, respiratory illnesses, and other serious health risks. Research estimates that flaring and venting alone cause over $7 billion in annual health damages to U.S. residents.
- Research shows that low-producing wells account for around 60% of the sector’s methane pollution. Most of these wells are owned by big companies. EPA shouldn’t be giving a free pass to pollute to these companies, which are raking in record profits.
- EPA’s 2024 rule included common-sense, cost-effective approaches to reducing pollution. Weakening those safeguards leaves families vulnerable to harmful pollution.
Tips for a Strong Public Comment
Make it personal.
You do not need technical expertise for your public comment to matter. You can talk about:
- Concerns about the impact of rolling back methane regulations on frontline communities
- Why we need strong regulations against methane pollution
Keep it simple.
A clear and sincere statement is often more powerful than a highly technical one.
End with a clear ask.
Examples:
- “EPA has an obligation to protect us from methane pollution that harms public health and welfare. I urge you to give up this rollback of the methane regulations that protect communities living near oil and gas operations.”
- “Please do not abandon your responsibility to protect us from methane pollution that harms our health and welfare.”
Sample public comment structure:
Public comment should flow like this:
“Hi, my name is [name], in [my state].
“I am concerned about [list the reasons you are personally worried — examples can include: how worsening climate impacts driven by more methane pollution would impact you, why these safeguards matter, etc.].
“Thank you for listening. Please do not rollback methane pollution regulations.”
A Few Final Reminders
You are speaking on your own behalf, not on behalf of Earthjustice.
- You do not need to be an expert to participate.
- Short public comment still matters.
- Personal stories and concerns are powerful.
- Register as soon as you can before the public hearing.
Thank you for speaking up for our climate future.