close

Wolf must cut methane pollution

2 min read
article image -

Each day, Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry leaks air pollution into the atmosphere, including volatile organic compounds that cause asthma, heart and lung disease, threats to pregnancy and more.

The industry’s own self-reported data is showing that methane emissions are up an alarming 28 percent in Pennsylvania between 2014 and 2015 – outpacing the 12 percent increase in gas production. After years of the industry claiming they can solve this issue themselves, it is clear they are not taking care of the problem.

Many states around us, including Ohio and New York, are already showing leadership by enacting standards to cut methane pollution from the gas industry. As a state that prided itself as a leader on this issue a few years ago, Pennsylvania is, unfortunately, falling behind the pack in oil and gas states that are addressing this issue.

Gov. Tom Wolf must cut methane pollution from new oil and gas operations and honor his commitment from 18 months ago to develop standards for existing oil and gas operations. Elected officials must listen to residents across the state raising concerns about this issue and oppose any legislative attempts to limit the commonwealth’s ability to craft Pennsylvania-specific methane standards to protect the health, well-being, and long-term economic interests of all residents.

Every day that Wolf does not move forward with safeguards that would limit air pollution from existing natural gas facilities is another day that Pennsylvania’s shalefield residents are forced to breathe unhealthy air.

It is time for Pennsylvania elected leaders to step up to protect our air, our health, and our communities.

Lois Bjornson

Scenery Hill

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $3.75/week.

Subscribe Today