Apr 2, 2025 2 min read

As a retired pediatrician, I am writing to express my deep disappointment in U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler for his failure to uphold critical methane waste reduction regulations. A vote against reducing methane pollution from oil and gas development is a vote against the wishes of communities across the country and a setback to children’s health everywhere.

Recently, Reschenthaler voted against the interests of workers and families by voting to repeal the implementing rule for the Waste Emissions Charge (WEC), or Methane Polluter Fee – a commonsense measure that levies a fee only on the largest oil and gas polluters to cut excessive waste. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, poses serious risks to public health and safety, especially to children, whose bodies have more difficulty processing pollutants than do adults. The oil and gas industry is a source of these emissions, and the communities located near these operations often bear the brunt of the potential health impacts. These frontline communities face increased exposure to air pollution, which can lead to respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues, and other serious health conditions.

But instead of supporting common sense policy, Reschenthaler voted to give the most wasteful oil and gas companies a get out of jail free card, leaving our communities health and well-being in jeopardy, and costing the American taxpayer $7 billion that could have supported programs like health care for children, veterans, and the elderly. Our communities deserve better than a leader who puts the interests of polluters above the health and safety of their constituents.

Ned Ketyer, M.D.

Venetia