Letter to the editor: EPA must help protect our kids from pollution

Parents across Pennsylvania have been abundantly clear: We need to do more to protect our children on the frontlines of oil and gas pollution. Last month I traveled from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C., to take this message to our national leaders. It is unfortunate that families like mine who live near oil and gas well pads have to demand this basic right to clean air. We need EPA methane safeguards to protect our children’s health now.

Oil and gas wells can emit climate-warming methane and other health-harming pollutants such as benzene that can cause leukemia. This is why we are urging the EPA to quickly propose a strong and comprehensive methane rule that includes protections for families from small wells with leak-prone equipment. These small wells generate nearly 50% of methane pollution in Pennsylvania.

One of these wells was identified in Boyce Park in July, where my children and thousands of others have gone swimming, snowtubing and hiking nearby. Oil and gas companies should be required to frequently inspect wells and fix leaks.

I want to protect my children’s health and ensure a safe future. Parents across the commonwealth have the opportunity to stand together and urge the EPA to take action now.

Our kids’ health is at stake.

Vanessa Lynch

Indiana Township