Letter to the editor: EPA must do more to curb methane

Imagine being diagnosed with COPD at 54 years of age, smoking not the reason. That’s my diagnosis. I am interested in protecting people from breathing problems. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas. Methane pollution must be tackled.

The Environmental Protection Agency proposed safeguards under the Clean Air Act, keeping gas and oil companies from leaking methane. Methane emissions will be reduced by 41 million metric tons (about the same as emissions from 230 million cars), reducing VOCs by 12 million metric tons. However, loopholes remain: infrequent inspections for small wells, and routine flaring. While this proposal is an important step, the EPA must strengthen this proposal, including frequent inspections of small wells and a ban on routine flaring.

Methane is 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide. The mission of the EPA is to “protect human health and the environment.” It must adopt comprehensive, loophole-free methane safeguards.

No time remains. We must protect our children’s health and the planet’s future. The EPA must enact strong safeguards, protecting our communities.

Robert W. Errett

Greensburg