Subcommittee Democrats: EPA’s Methane Rule is a Solution to a Recognized Problem
(Washington, DC) – Today, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology’s Subcommittee on Environment held a hearing titled, “A Solution in Search of a Problem: EPA’s Methane Regulations.” The purpose of this hearing was to examine the EPA’s final methane rule that aims to reduce methane emissions from new, reconstructed, and modified oil and gas sources.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 80 times greater than carbon dioxide during the first 20 years after its release into the atmosphere. According to EPA, in 2014, methane emissions from oil and natural gas production sources and natural gas processing and transmission sources accounted for 3.4% of total U.S. domestic global greenhouse gas emissions. Despite recent reductions, methane emissions are projected to increase by 25 percent over the next decade due, in part, to increased hydraulic fracturing activity. EPA’s methane regulations for new and modified oil and gas sources are part of a solution to a real and recognized problem.
Ranking Member Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) said in her opening statement, “Methane leaks and releases are a real problem for many Americans all over this country on a daily basis…While the new rule only addresses methane emissions at new, reconstructed, and modified oil and gas sources, it is an important first step to ensure that the problems of today are not the problems of tomorrow.”
Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) said in her statement for the record, “As I have said before, the Environmental Protection Agency works hard to protect the public health and the environment, and it is clear that these regulations are simply a result of their efforts to fulfill that mission. We must work with EPA, not against them, if we want to achieve strong environmental regulations that improve the health of both the planet and the economy.”
Democratic Members and witnesses discussed best methods for building and modifying methane storage facilities. Witnesses also noted that scientists, in association with the Environmental Defense Fund, state methane emissions must be kept below 1% in order to accrue meaningful public health benefits.
Mr. Elgie Holstien, Senior Director for Strategic Planning, Environmental Defense Fund, stated in his written testimony, “With the recent increases in recoverable oil and gas reserves, it is more important than ever that both the industry and the government commit to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. Recognizing and addressing the causes and effects of methane emissions with respect to global climate change is one important step in fulfilling that commitment.
“Decisions made now about methane emissions will have a major impact on the rate at which the climate changes over the lifetimes of many Americans living now and spanning the next several generations.”
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