Albany – Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the
first-ever rules
to cut oil and gas industry methane emissions from new sources 40 to 45
percent from 2012 levels by 2025. Methane is at least 25 times more
potent than dangerous
carbon pollution, so while it accounts for nine percent of overall
greenhouse gas emissions, it is even more dangerous to public health,
our climate and environment.
"Methane
is one of the primary drivers of climate change. People’s lives have
been put at risk because the standards have been too lax for too long," said Conor Bambrick, Air & Energy Director.
"The
Obama administration’s new methane rule is an important first step as it
establishes long overdue standards for an industry that has grown
accustomed to loose oversight. Reducing methane
emissions 40 to 45 percent over the next decade will be critical for
achieving the goals outlined in the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, as well as
Governor Cuomo’s own promise to reduce New York’s climate pollution
40 percent by 2030.
"Cutting
methane pollution is a no brainer any way you look at it. It will lead
to cleaner air, better public health outcomes and a safer climate. It
also makes sense economically, as a more
efficient system means more earning opportunities for the industry. The
federal government should go even further and apply these rules to
existing sources.
This is where states like New York, which have been
leaders in cutting climate pollution,
need to step up and go beyond those aligned with industry and who are
fighting clean air protections. Environmental Advocates urges Governor
Cuomo to embrace these rules and create a comprehensive climate action
plan. Only with an economy-wide climate action
plan can we prevent New York from making bad decisions that exacerbate
climate change, while empowering the Governor to keep his promise.”
Source: Environmental Advocates of New York
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