In a move to help advance U.S. climate efforts, the Biden administration has unveiled a rule, issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Saturday, focused on dramatically reducing methane emissions in the oil and natural gas industry. Advocates for this measure, including President Joe Biden, EPA Administrator Michael Regan, and Vice President Kamala Harris, believe the rule will ensure improvement to public health while providing significant environmental benefits.
The impact of aggressive methane reduction is especially vital, as this greenhouse gas is significantly more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term and a major contributor to global warming. It accounts for about one-third of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions, making it a priority in slowing the rate of climate change globally.
The new rule will require companies to comply with methane emission standards, setting the U.S. on a path for a 30% reduction in methane emissions. The EPA has also devised a fee structure that will charge energy producers that exceed certain emissions standards. The rule is designed to also include exemptions and financial incentives to assist operators in meeting the new requirements. It is expected to have a significant impact on the health of communities residing near oil and gas wells by curbing harmful air pollutants and methane emissions.
While the EPA rule has received praise from various environmental and health advocacy groups, the American Petroleum Institute suggested it is evaluating the rule to ensure that potential reductions do not conflict with the rising energy demand and the ongoing oil industry processes. The group also hopes the regulation will help build on positive steps taken by the industry so far. Now that the United States has set up the most extensive methane pollution rule, there is momentum for more stringent regulations and policies on methane worldwide. These errands make it clear that large energy companies are now required to aggressively take part in measures to reduce methane pollution. It is especially urgent for these companies to clean up their act worldwide, as opposing federal regulation is no longer an option.
