Earthjustice Applauds EPA For Finalizing Strong Safeguards Against Methane Pollution

Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule that will cut methane and other harmful pollutants from the U.S. oil and gas industry. In response, Jill Tauber, Vice President of Litigation for Climate & Energy at Earthjustice, released the following statement:

“We applaud the Biden administration for taking this critical step to cut methane pollution from oil and gas production. Strong methane standards are essential to curb climate pollution and better protect the health and safety of workers and communities living near fossil fuel extraction. This cost-effective rule is grounded in EPA’s longstanding authority under the Clean Air Act, and Earthjustice and our partners are prepared to defend it from unfounded industry attacks.

“As this rule is implemented, Earthjustice will continue to advocate for eliminating pollution from routine flaring, requiring inspections at all well sites regardless of production, and installing zero-emission equipment. Strengthening these key safeguards will help us meet our climate commitments.

“The devastating impacts of climate change are hitting communities who have borne the harms of fossil fuel pollution the hardest. The only way to fully protect frontline communities is to end our reliance on fossil fuels and transform our economy quickly and equitably to run on 100% pollution-free, clean energy. We urge the Biden administration to continue to finalize the strongest possible environmental and public health protections against the harms of fossil fuels.”