The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed changing the 2012 and 2016 methane and volatile organic compounds standards in a previously established federal rule.
Methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases existing, and once released, it stays in the atmosphere for 10 years or more. Because it persists so long, what is released in one part of the country eventually will affect many other parts of the country, and the whole world. Methane also contributes to ground level ozone formation, which causes asthma attacks and emphysema exacerbations, and other health problems.
We need less methane in the air, not more.
To read the ALA statement about this proposed weakening of a rule that protects health, go here: https://www.lung.org/about-us/media/press-releases/ALA-Opposes-Methane-Rollback-082919.html
To sign up for the EPA hearing, or submit a written comment, go here:
https://www.epa.gov/controlling-air-pollution-oil-and-natural-gas-industry/forms/public-hearing-proposed-policy
As always, please upload or email an addendum with the complete article if you use a scientific article. Then EPA is required to respond to the data in the article.
